Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser on all types of operating systems. Google dominates Windows, Linux and macOS when it comes to connecting to the Internet and browsing all kinds of websites. However, as with all types of software, Chrome does not work indefinitely in browsers, but will adapt its support cycle based on the support of the operating system and, above all, the users who use it. And one of the next systems that this browser will say goodbye to is Windows 7.
Windows 7 has been one of the best and most popular Microsoft operating systems. However, since January 14, 2020 , this system has passed away. Users who still use this operating system should know that they no longer have any kind of support, not even security. Any security breach, no matter how small, will jeopardize the security of the entire system and all the data.
Since the operating system is not updated, at least we must make sure that the programs we use in it do. Thus, the chances of exposing ourselves will be less. However, there are fewer and fewer programs that continue to work and support this already obsolete operating system. And one of the next to run out of support is Google Chrome.
Google Chrome will stop working on Windows 7 two years after its end of support
Google originally announced that its browser would stop working on this operating system as of July 15, 2021. However, it seems that the company has reconsidered and decided to extend the support of this OS for 6 more months. Specifically until January 15, 2022 . From this date, the browser will stop working in Windows 7, leaving users exposed to any problem or vulnerability that may appear for it.
It is important to know that, although Windows 7 has not been supported since January 14, 2020, Microsoft is offering a series of extended security patches (paid) for users of the business and educational versions. These editions will be supported until January 2023 , thus giving a much greater march to prepare the infrastructure to make the leap to Windows 10. However, the fact that Google stops supporting this system in 2022 implies that users will no longer be able to use this system one year before its end of full support.
Google does not rule out extending Chrome’s support for Windows 7 a second time, although it will depend on many factors, such as the number of users and the speed with which they migrate to the new operating system.
What to do if the browser stops working?
At this point, if Google stops supporting us, what can we do? We can always exercise extreme caution and use the latest version of the browser to continue browsing from Windows 7. This is what can also be done in Windows XP despite the system having been without support for 6 years. However, it is not recommended, since the more time passes the more in danger we will be.
Then what do I do? Very simple: find an alternative browser. Although Chrome stops working, we will always find other web browsers that will allow us to continue browsing with support. Firefox, for example, is one of those that will continue to work (at least for now) in the browser, as well as Opera, and even Edge, Microsoft’s new browser.
The important thing is to make sure we have the more updated programs the better, as well as to exercise extreme precautions ourselves. This will reduce the probability that something will go wrong.
