Several reports in the last week suggested that Google Chrome will stop working on certain Windows PCs since the beginning of January. Headlines claimed that people would need to upgrade to Windows 11 for users to be able to work on Google Chrome.
The reports said that new Microsoft and Google Chrome updates would mean that PCs running on older versions of Windows may not be able to support the updates and one would need to upgrade to new computer systems or upgrade their old ones to Windows 11.
BOOM verified that while Windows 7 or 8.1 PCs, and Google Chrome on these computers, may not stop working, but will not receive updates with the latest technology. This in turn may affect user experience. Also, users of these old versions of Windows will not be able to download new apps on their systems after January 10.
Windows 7 and 8.1 users will indeed be affected
Microsoft informed its users that it was planning an end of security and tech support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users in the first half of January.
Windows 8.1
An announcement on the Microsoft website said, "After 10 January 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 8.1." It said that the device can be upgraded to newer versions of Windows.
However, it said the best option would be to move to a new PC with Windows 11.
But does this mean that PCs with Windows 8.1 will stop working? According to Microsoft's guidelines, it says no. It said, "Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after 10 January 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Windows 8.1 technical support."
Users can also upgrade to Windows 10, for which Microsoft will provide support till 14 October 2025.
But can users still download apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC? Microsoft said users can only install apps and games till January 10, but continue to use installed apps and games.
"You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after 10 January 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates until 30 June 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer). Once updates are no longer available, app quality and usability may be degraded. Customers who move to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC can use and reinstall previously purchased apps and games on their new or upgraded PC," the guidelines said.
This means, that if a user has Google Chrome installed on their PCs, they may not be able to upgrade them to the new version.
Windows 7
Microfost suggested Windows 7 users get a new PC with Windows 11. It suggested, "Certain Windows 7 devices may be able to upgrade to Windows 10 (for a fee), but Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on 14 October 2025, and installing Windows 10 may not fix problems with your PC hardware or enable upgrade to Windows 11. It also won't enable hardware-specific features of Windows 10 like touchscreens or Windows Hello."
Microsoft explains that PCs originally built with Windows 7 were running on decade-old technology. "Once you move to a new PC, there will be many aspects of Windows that you will find familiar, but also with important software and hardware innovations and capabilities that were not available a decade ago," Microsoft said.
How is this connected to Google Chrome?
In October 2022, Google announced that the latest version of Chrome (110), which is scheduled to be launched on February 7, 2023, will run only on Windows 10 and later versions of Windows. "You'll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases. This matches Microsoft's end of support for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 extended support on January 10th, 2023," Google said in October 2022.
Like older versions of Windows, Chrome will also continue to operate but won't receive further updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Google's statement read, "Older versions of Chrome will continue to work, but there will be no further updates released for users on these operating systems. If you are currently on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features."