Are you still using a laptop with Windows 7 or 8 and running either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome? Perhaps you have received a message saying you must upgrade to Windows 10 or 11, but don’t know what to do.
Microsoft stopped issuing updates for Windows 7 and 8 some time ago, but those versions of Windows run just fine. Without those updates, however, Windows 7 and 8 do not get security fixes meaning that those versions of Windows are more vulnerable to viruses and scams.
However, if you have been using a supported browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you have an added a layer of protection as they have continued to release their own security fixes, not as good as using Windows 10 or 11, but better than using an unsupported browser like Internet Explorer.
Unfortunately, the next version of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge that will be released will not support Windows 7 or 8. The current versions will continue to work, but you will not receive any more security fixes that have helped protect you and your device in the past. (The next version of Google Chrome is scheduled for February 7th)
So, what do you do?
The obvious answer is upgrade to Windows 10 or 11. Unfortunately, that may mean replacing your laptop, which otherwise is serving you just fine.
You could stop using Chrome or Edge and replace it with a browser that will continue to support Windows 7 & 8, for instance Firefox. You may notice a few changes, but I am sure you will get used to them. You will still be using an unsupported version of Windows and at some point in the future Firefox will probably release their last version to support Windows 7 & 8, but at least it gives you more time.
You could do nothing and continue to run Chrome or Edge. You may get some annoying popups prompting you to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11, but other than that, it will continue to run just fine. However, as time goes on you are leaving yourself open to new viruses and scams.
We can help or advise on any of these actions.
The Computer/IT Help at the Spire Café (rear of St. John’s Church, Burgess Hill) continues every Thursday 10.00-13.00.
