Microsoft Edge is dropping its Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 support starting January 2023.

What does the lack of support actually mean to these versions? Does it necessarily mean that users can no longer access Microsoft Edge? Not really.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: A computer store employee stacks copies of Microsoft's new operating system 'Windows 7' ahead of its official launch at midnight tonight on October 21, 2009 in London, England. Microsoft's much-anticipated version of its Windows operating system for PCs aims to eradicate many of the problems associated with its predecessor 'Vista'.

Microsoft Edge's Windows 7, 8, 8.1 Support Ends Starting January 2023

As per the latest news story by Bleeping Computer, Microsoft has announced that its web browser will no longer support older Windows versions starting next year.

Edge is ending its support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 after its version 109 rolls out next year. It means that starting January 12, 2023, the web browser would no longer provide its users any support.

The Redmond-based software giant further notes that support is leaving other Windows Server versions.

"Microsoft Edge version 109 will also be the last supported version for Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2," the renowned firm disclosed.

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 2: A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS.

Despite that, it turns out that the Windows 7 and the 8/8.1 users can still use Microsoft Edge version 109. But losing support for these older operating systems means they would no longer receive new features, bug fixes, and security updates.

So given that it would no longer receive its much-need security patches, it would be best to upgrade to Windows 10 to be secured.

Read Also: Microsoft Edge's Password Monitor Will Warn You of Password Leaks--Kids' Safety Now its Focus

Why is Edge Dropping Support for Older Windows?

According to a recent report by the XDA Developers, the Redmond giant would soon stop the rollout of Windows 7 Extended Security Updates. Starting January 10, it would no longer dish out to users.

On top of that, the news outlet notes that Microsoft is also ending support for Windows 8 and 8.1.

And as such, the software maker is encouraging its users to upgrade to Windows 10. With its upcoming move, Edge users will be forced to get the newer OS to continue receiving crucially important security updates.

Bleeping Computer highlights that some folks are still clinging to the older Windows software.

Statcounter GlobalStats reveals that roughly 10.25% are still on Windows 7, and about 2.53% are using Windows 8.1.

Meanwhile, Google recently announced that Chrome would potentially drop its support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as well. While it is still unsure, it might end sometime in February 2023. It gives users another reason to upgrade next year.

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