In October 2022, Google announced that it will stop supporting Chrome on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in February 2023. If you’re affected by this change, you might be wondering what your options are once Chrome pulls the plug on these Windows versions.
Fortunately, hope isn’t lost and there are a few things you can do to continue browsing safely. Here, you’ll find three options to explore once Google ends Chrome support for Windows 7 and 8.1.
1. Upgrade Your Operating System
Just a short while after Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 8.1, Chrome has announced its decision to do the same.
If your PC still uses Windows 7 or 8, fear not because you’re not stuck with that operating system. Fortunately, even with an old PC, you can still upgrade your operating system. You can use certain upgrade paths to upgrade to Windows 11 from 8.1.
If you’re using Windows 7, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free, if you still have the product key. This can be done by downloading the Windows Media Creation tool. If you don’t have a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 product key, you can buy Windows 10 from Microsoft. The cost to purchase Windows 10 varies between $139 to $309.
2. Use an Alternative Browser
Chrome might be pulling the plug on Windows 7 and 8.1, but that doesn’t mean all browsers have done the same. If you’re not too hung up on using Chrome, you can simply find an alternative browser to use.
At the moment, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are the only browsers that have officially communicated plans to stop supporting Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Luckily, other popular browsers, such as Firefox, might still offer support. There are other benefits you’ll get from switching to Firefox from Chrome, despite the inconvenience.
3. Buy a PC Compatible for Windows 10
If you’re using a PC that needs more than an operating system upgrade, then it might be time for a new PC. You don’t have to spend a fortune for a decent Windows 10 PC, as all new Microsoft PCs have Windows 10. So, you can find something suitable for you, even on a limited budget.
Should You Upgrade Windows to Keep Chrome?
Letting go of an operating system that serves you can be hard, as you might dread the process it takes to upgrade your operating system, or you might have to buy a new PC. This is even harder when you no longer have a choice and can’t receive security updates on an older version. However, upgrading Windows is the best way to go about it.
Luckily, the above-mentioned tips provide you with options once Chrome ends support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.