Earlier this month, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and 8.1. In addition to killing the most loved/hated OS combo, Microsoft stopped supporting Edge on outdated platforms. However, a few days ago, the company revealed slightly revised plans. Users of Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will continue to receive updates for the Microsoft Edge browser until October 10, 2023.
Here’s what Microsoft says Latest announcement post:
Microsoft Edge version 109 will be the last supported version on Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (version 110 and later will not be available). Version 109 will receive important security fixes and fixes for known exploit bugs until October 10, 2023. WebView2 runtime version 109 will be supported as well.
Additionally, Internet Explorer 11 remains supported on these operating systems for as long as they are supported.
It’s worth noting that extended support does not mean updates to new features or the latest versions. Microsoft will release only the most important security updates, and the browser will remain at version 109 until its end. Also, attempting to install Microsoft Edge 110 and newer on Windows 7 or 8.1 will result in the installer reporting an unsupported operating system.
If you have a Windows 7 or 8 system that cannot be updated to Windows 10 or 11, switching to Firefox may be your only option. Mozilla still supports its browser on now-dead Windows versions, but it won’t last long.
