Microsoft released the Edge Dev 110 browser. The changelog makes it clear that Microsoft Edge 110 will be the first version to drop support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. Now, Microsoft has officially announced through a blog post that it will end support for the Edge browser for versions prior to Windows 10 (Consumer, Enterprise and Server SKUs).
Microsoft Edge and WebView2 Runtime (Evergreen and Fixed) version 109 are the last versions to be supported for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. In addition, WebView2 SDK version 1.0.1519.0 and above now requires Windows 10 or 11.
Microsoft will release Edge and WebView2 Runtime version 109 the week of Jan. 12, 2023. Microsoft said users who do not wish to abandon Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 can continue to use the browser and Runtime. however, these products will not receive new features, security updates and bug fixes.
The end of support applies to older consumer Windows versions, plus Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. While Microsoft is dropping support for the Edge browser, Internet Explorer 11 will continue to be supported until the company stops supporting those operating systems.
Microsoft is now encouraging developers to drop support for Windows 7 and 8/8.1. Making such a decision may not be easy, but it is necessary to ensure that users stay safe and continue to receive security updates, new features and bug fixes. Google is already urging users to update their computers to the latest Windows version, and other developers are expected to follow suit.
