In its version 110, available via the Dev channel of the Insider program, Microsoft Edge is no longer offered to users on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. This is the first time that the browser is only available on Windows 10 and 11, a sign that the Redmond firm continues to gradually abandon support for its older operating systems.
We’ll have to get used to the idea: it’s only a matter of time before versions prior to Windows 10 fall into oblivion. If Microsoft continues here and there to deploy security updates on its Windows 7 and 8, the sentence hangs over the old OS, which the developers abandon in turn. In fact, Microsoft will eventually take the plunge, and some signs do not lie.
The latest version of its Edge browser is the perfect example. Rolling out today on the Dev channel, members of the Insider program must have a PC running Windows 10 or 11 to be able to download the update. It is therefore not impossible that Edge 110 will permanently drop support for Windows versions older than 2015, which will mark a key step before they are shelved.
On the same subject: Microsoft Edge will facilitate file sharing between PC and smartphone
Microsoft will soon no longer be available on Windows 7 and 8
In addition to the traditional security fixes, Edge 110 brings new features to users, as detailed in the patch note:
- Added the ability to force dark mode on sidebar content that does not support it when dark mode is enabled.
- Added the ability to create a workspace sharing link in the browser.
- The “Recently Closed” topic now shows who closed workspace tabs, with a timestamp.
- Collections now displays new content inspired by your collections and the web.
Edge, of course, won’t be the only browser to turn the page on Windows 7 and 8. Google Chrome has also kicked off the countdown, which is expected to end sometime in the year 2023. the deadline, but you will no longer receive security updates, making them obsolete on your PC.