Microsoft will end support for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 on this date

Microsoft will end security updates and technical support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 on January 10th. The announcement coincides with the release of Microsoft Edge 109, the last edition that supports the outdated operating systems. Although the browser will continue to work on these devices, no critical security updates or new features will be provided. Support for WebView2, a tool that allows developers to integrate web-based content into their apps, will also end on January 10th.

However, Edge isn’t the only major search engine giving up on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Google announced in October that Chrome support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 would end on February 7th. Devices running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 are becoming increasingly vulnerable to bugs, malware, or other online security risks. Furthermore, these PCs will not be able to get the latest functions and features from the company.

The deadline gives users with devices still running Windows 7, estimated to be around 100 million by 2021, some time to update their computers or face the security risks associated with using an outdated operating system and browser. A Lansweeper survey of 27 million Windows systems conducted last October found that more PCs were running Windows XP, 7 or 8 than Windows 11.

Microsofton the other hand, profusely warned users and announced the end of support for Windows 7 2020. Only those who have paid for three additional years of extended security patches will receive updates.

“Microsoft will not offer an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1. Continued use of Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations,” the company said.

The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort for customers who need to continue using older Microsoft products after they have reached end of support. It contains critical and important security updates for up to three years after the end of extended support for the product. This means that Windows PC users who still have devices running the Windows 8.1 operating system will no longer receive critical security updates to protect their PCs and data from cyber threats.

If you have a device running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, now is a good time to install Windows 10 or 11. If this is not possible, Microsoft recommends replacing the device with a newer model before January 10th to avoid potential security problems.