This version will be released in February 2023

Oct 25, 2022 15:07 GMT  ·  By

Google has announced that Chrome 110, which is projected to go live early next year, will drop support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, with the focus to therefore be switched to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Google Chrome is currently one of the few browsers still supporting Windows 7 after the operating system was discontinued by Microsoft in January 2020.

Windows 7 is currently being serviced only as part of the ESU program, which is available for Microsoft customers with a yearly fee.

Google says it has specifically aligned the end of support for Google Chrome on Windows 7 with Microsoft’s scheduled end of support for the ESU program aimed at Windows 7.

“With the release of Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for February 7th, 2023), we’ll officially end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. 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 explains in an announcement this week.

Users recommended to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11

Needless to say, once Chrome 110 gets the go-ahead, the browser will continue to run on Windows 7 but without receiving any further updates.

This means that any security flaws discovered in the browser would remain unfixed, therefore exposing users to potential attacks.

“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 or Windows 8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version before that date to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features,” Google explains.