Microsoft Win7/8.1 will stop obtaining critical security updates on January 10, and Edge browser 109 will provide final version support.

CTOnews.com, January 4, Microsoft will stop security updates and technical support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 on January 10. For the millions of users still running Windows 7 on their computers, time is running out. It also marks the upcoming launch of Microsoft's Edge browser, the last version to support these older Windows operating systems.

Image source UnsplashCTOnews.com has learned that Microsoft Edge is not the only major browser to abandon Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Last October, Google announced that Chrome would end its support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 on February 7 this year. Although the two browsers will continue to work on these devices, they will not receive any critical security updates or new features. Support for WebView2, which also ends on January 10, allows developers to embed Web-based content into their applications.

According to the report, there are about 100 million Windows 7 devices still running in 2021. After stopping technical support, these users will face the security risk of using outdated operating systems and browsers. Last October, Lansweeper surveyed 27 million Windows devices and found that there were more PC running Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 8 than Windows 11.

However, Microsoft has notified users of the upgrade well in advance and announced for the first time that mainstream support for Windows 7 will end in 2020. The only users who are still receiving updates are users who have paid extra for the three-year extension of the security patch.

If you have a device running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, now may be a good time to download and upgrade Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your computer. If you do not choose to upgrade your system, Microsoft recommends replacing or purchasing new devices by January 10, which are pre-installed with the latest Windows 11 system to avoid any potential security problems.