Earlier this month, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and 8.1. In addition, Microsoft also stopped supporting the Edge browser on the outdated platform. However, a few days ago, Microsoft made a slight change to the program and users with Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will continue to receive updates for the Microsoft Edge browser until October 10, 2023.
Here’s what’s in the Microsoft announcement
"Microsoft Edge version 109 will be the last supported version on Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (110 and later versions will not be available). version 109 will receive critical security fixes and fixes for known vulnerabilities by October 10, 2023, and WebView2 Runtime version 109 will be supported in the same manner. In addition, Internet Explorer 11 is still supported on these operating systems, as long as they are in support."
It is important to note that extended support does not mean that it will also get new features or updates to newer versions. Microsoft will only release the most critical security updates and the browser will remain on version 109 until it ends support. Also, attempts to install Microsoft Edge 110 and newer on Windows 7 or 8.1 will show that the installer does not support that operating system.
If your Windows 7 or 8 system can’t be updated to Windows 10 or 11, using Firefox may be the only option. Mozilla still supports its browser on outdated versions of Windows, but that shouldn’t last long either.
