Windows 7 and Windows 8 will no longer be secure operating systems

The Windows operating systems we grew up with are disappearing. In this case, versions 7 and 8 of Microsoft’s operating system will no longer be secure programs, so it is necessary to make the switch if you have not already done so.

The last day Windows 7 was officially supported was January 14, 2020. But, unfortunately, Windows 8 lost support even earlier, on January 12, 2016.

However, both were still relatively secure, thanks to the security updates Microsoft released.

It’s time to leap to Windows 10/11

On January 10, Microsoft will stop releasing security updates and provide technical support for Windows 7 and 8 users.

All users who used those operating systems still received updates if they paid for three extra years of security patches. Now this will no longer be an option, leaving all users exposed to vulnerabilities in their systems.

This poses a risk for almost 100 million PCs and laptops using these versions of Windows because without these security updates, if a problem occurs, Microsoft will not patch it. Therefore, the most recommended thing is to upgrade all computers to Windows 10, which will be supported until October 14, 2025.

Other factors

Without these patches, browsers will no longer support these operating systems.

Microsoft Edge 109, to be released on January 12, 2023, won’t support Windows 7 and 8. The same goes for the so-called WebView2 Runtime, a critical component that allows developers to embed web content in their applications. Chrome 110, which launches on February 7, 2023, will also stop supporting those operating systems.

Google’s statement on its official website reads:

“(The user) will need to ensure that their device is running Windows 10 or later versions to continue receiving Chrome updates.”

Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, will likewise cease support. However, the suite will continue to run until the last supported version, 2022.

It is essential to mention that these operating systems may continue to work, but using them may expose you to cyber-attacks since there will be no security to keep you safe from hackers and viruses.

The recommendation is to migrate to current operating systems, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11, which can be downloaded for free. In addition, they offer essential updates as well as new features.

Header: Microsoft