Microsoft has announced that it will stop providing technical support and security updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 next week, on January 10th. To avoid any disruption to their usage, Microsoft has advised users to switch to newer versions of Windows by January 10th. Along with ending support for these operating systems, Microsoft will also launch the final version of Microsoft Edge, which supports Windows 7 and 8.1, on the same day.
In a similar move, Google Chrome announced in October that it would also cease support for Windows 7 and 8.1 on February 7th. This means that while these operating systems will still work on existing devices, users will not receive security updates or new features. It is essential for users of Windows 7 and 8.1 to be aware of these changes and consider upgrading to a supported operating system to continue receiving updates and support.
While it can be challenging to make the switch to a new operating system, it is important to keep devices and software up-to-date to maintain security and functionality. Both Microsoft and Google have recommended that users make the transition to newer versions in order to continue receiving updates and support.
Webview2, a tool used by developers to embed web content in their applications, will be ending its service on January 10th. This short notice may be a concern for the approximately 100 million people who are still using devices with the now outdated Windows 7 operating system.
In 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11 and warned users that support for Windows 7 and 8 would be discontinued. However, a survey conducted by Lansweeper in October found that most PCs were still running XP, 7, and 8 rather than the newer Windows 11.
While computers with Windows 7 and 8 will still function, they may be vulnerable to viruses without regular security updates. In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would be ending support for Windows 7, but users who purchased an additional three years of extended security updates are still eligible for support.
To avoid any disruption in service, Microsoft has advised users to upgrade to newer versions of Windows by January 10th. Devices with Windows 7 and 8.1 will be offered free downloads of Windows 10 and 11. It is important for users to consider upgrading to a supported operating system in order to continue receiving updates and support and to ensure the security of their devices.
