Because of the release of Chrome 110 on February 7, 2023, a computer with at least Windows 10 as an operating system will be needed to use the updated version. Most everyone knows that to keep information safe, it is essential to update your computer’s operating system frequently. Yet in the world, there are a lot of computers that are equipped with old and outdated operating systems, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1: adding up the PCs with both operating systems, it is close to 20% of the total number of computers with Windows, and there are hundreds of millions.
Google Chrome, the most used browser in the world, will remove official support for millions of computers on a specific date for an excellent reason: everyone’s safety. However, from next year, users of these computers will have one more reason to upgrade Windows to a newer operating system. They will no longer be able to use Google Chrome unless they block updates to version 109. Not recommended since not only the operating system would be vulnerable, but also the browser would become an easy victim of viruses and hacker attacks.
Chrome 110: Stop The Old Operating Systems
Through a new online support page, Google has specified that starting with version 110 of Chrome, scheduled for release on February 7, 2023, the most used browser in the world will no longer support computers with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. From February 7 onwards, those who want to use an updated Chrome version must have a laptop with at least Windows 10. The reason for all this is simple: Microsoft’s official support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020, for Windows 8.1 will end on January 10, 2023, and, from that moment on, the two operating systems will be at risk because Microsoft will not correct any new security.
Blocking Chrome Updates Isn’t A Good Idea
There is a way to continue using Google Chrome even after February 7, 2023, on PCs with Windows 7 and 8.1: disable automatic browser updates once you reach version 109. However, it is strongly discouraged. Google will do nothing to prevent users of older platforms from continuing to install and run older versions of Chrome. Still, they would miss the latest critical security and usability improvements. Just like Microsoft does with Windows updates, Google also “plugs the security holes” with each new version of Chrome that is discovered by researchers and that could be exploited by cybercriminals to attack your computer. So, using Chrome on Windows 7 / 8.1 in 2023 would be equivalent to leaving the door open at night in a bad neighborhood.
Don’t Block Chrome Updates
There is a way to continue using Chrome even after February 7, 2023, on PCs with Windows 7 and 8.1: turn off automatic browser updates once you reach version 109. This is something that we strongly advise against: in such a scenario, not only the operating system would be vulnerable, but also the browser would be an easy victim of viruses and hacker attacks. Just like Microsoft does with Windows updates, Google also ” plugs the security holes ” with each new version of Chrome that is discovered by researchers and that could be exploited by cybercriminals to attack your computer. In other words: using Chrome on Windows 7 / 8.1.
Also Read: How To Choose The Correct Data Visualization? The New Trends
