14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s modern version of Edge browser, which runs on the Chrome engine, is now available on non-Windows 10 operating systems as well, including here Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and macOS.
A new browser on Windows 7 is surprising news for some, as the platform has already been retired and is no longer getting security updates as of January this year.
However, the Chromium-based Edge won’t stick around for too long on Windows 7, as Microsoft plans to retire it in mid-2021.
Support until at least mid-2021
News of Microsoft supporting Edge on Windows 7 until at least July 2021 first surfaced earlier this year, but now the software giant has updated its official documentation with more specifics about this date.
“We will continue to support Microsoft Edge on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 until July 15, 2021. These operating systems are out of support and Microsoft recommends you move to a supported operating system such as Windows 10,” the company explains (via AskWoody).
“While Microsoft Edge helps keep you more secure on the web, your PC may still be vulnerable to security risks. In order for IE mode to be supported on these operating systems the devices will need to have the Extended Security Updates for Windows 7. Without the Windows 7 Extended Security updates Internet Explorer functionality will be vulnerable to security risks. Additionally, IE mode functionality may cease to work without the continued servicing through the extended security updates.”
Of course, the purpose is to give Windows 7 users enough time to upgrade to a newer Windows version that still receives support. Windows 10 is Microsoft’s recommended choice for obvious reasons – the new Edge is offered on Windows 10 as the new default browser, replacing Edge legacy on the system.