Millions warned as Google Chrome could become risky to use by next week

By next week a new update of Google Chrome will be released and it is the first version of the browser that will be requiring Windows 10 or later on your computer.

Sunsetting older versions

According to the Chrome Help page, Google has announced it will be sunsettingolder versions of Windows in the new update of its popular web browser.

To sunset in the information technology (IT) world means when a new technology replaces an older one or when a company intentionally phases out older versions to focus on new innovations.

The new version of Google Chrome has been scheduled to be released on February 7th.

According to Google, the older versions of Chrome will continue to work but there will be no further updates.

‘Older versions of Chrome will continue to work, but there will be no further updates released for users on these operating systems.’

Moreover, Google has encouraged users to upgrade their Windows to be able to receive the latest security and functionality updates.

‘If you are currently on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features.’

Security threats

Users who rely on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 and who continue to use older versions of Google Chrome could open themselves up to various security threats that could be exploited by hackers, The Sun reports.

The new version of Chrome is called Chrome 110 and will work only on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Sun estimated using Statcounter.com, that in December 2022 about 11.2 percent of PCs still use Windows 7 and 2.6 percent use Windows 8.1.

Sources used:

-ChromeHelp: ‘Sunsetting support for Windows 7 / 8/8.1 and Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 in early 2023’

-TheSun: 'GO BIG OR GO CHROME Google Chrome will become dangerous for millions of devices next week – find out if you’re affected