Chrome's new update is the first version you can't run on Windows 7

If you are currently using Google Chrome on an older or older PC, you may want to consider upgrading your hardware. With the public release of Chrome 110 on February 7th, the browser will no longer support Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 and the less-used Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2. This follows Microsoft's decision earlier this year to definitively end security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 on January 10th.

Chrome 110 fixes some known cyber security issues and includes some new features, such as a customizable network error page and the option to use biometric authentication to auto-fill stored passwords on supported computers. The release of Chrome 110 also marks the start of Chrome's new release cycle, which will now include an early stable preview of future updates a week before the full scheduled stable release date.

This is the first version of Google's browser that requires Windows 10 or later. Older versions of Chrome will still work on devices running older versions of Windows; However, neither the browser nor the operating system will receive critical security updates, potentially leaving your device open to cyber attacks.

Microsoft does not disclose exact figures on how many people are still using Windows 7, but it was estimated to be around 100 million in 2021. Windows 11, despite Microsoft offering a free upgrade for compatible Windows 10 devices. Even machines old enough to run Windows 7 are unlikely to support upgrading to a compatible operating system, and Microsoft no longer sells Windows 10 Home and Pro downloads or license keys.

Realistically, those still using an older version of Windows need to either physically upgrade their existing machine to support the Windows 11 update or buy a new laptop or computer to stay safe online. Needed. Might be needed. Microsoft currently plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.