If you are one of the millions of Windows 7 or 8.1 users who are still waiting to upgrade their operating system, now is the time to do it.
According to BGR, on January 10, 2023, Microsoft will end support for both Windows 7 and 8.1, including discontinuing critical updates and technical support for these versions of Windows.
Not just Microsoft, popular apps and services will end support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Last October, Google announced that Chrome 109 would be the last browser version to support Windows 7 and 8.1. While the browser will continue to work after this date, users need to be running Windows 10 or 11 to download Chrome 110 or later.
The same goes for Microsoft Edge. Last month, Microsoft confirmed, “version 109 of the Microsoft Edge browser and WebView2 Runtime will be the last versions to support Windows 7 and 8.1”. These two updates are scheduled to release on January 12, 2023, just like Chrome. Their future versions will not be available for Windows 7 or 8.1.
Unlike Windows 11, the hardware requirements for Windows 10 are not too strict when users only need to ensure the minimum parameters of 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, 1 GHz CPU, and a graphics card that supports DirectX. 9 or later.
In case the computer does not meet the system requirements for Windows 10 or 11, it is time for users to consider upgrading the system. By no longer receiving regular security fixes and updates, Windows 7 or 8.1 users are putting their private data at risk by continuing to use outdated software.