Microsoft Edge to Follow Chrome Support Schedule on Windows 7

Microsoft confirmed today that it will support Edge on Windows 7 for the same 18 month+ timeframe as will Google with Chrome.

Confirmation of this policy comes via Rich Woods at Neowin, who writes that Microsoft confirmed to publication “that it will commit to the same timeframe as Google.” Google recently said that it would keep its Chrome web browser up-to-date on Windows 7 through at least July 2021.

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The Microsoft schedule makes sense, given that Edge is based on the same Chromium underpinnings as is Chrome. But I further assume that this schedule is only for individuals and that Edge will be supported for businesses that opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESUs) that Microsoft is offering for Windows 7 through 2023.

Combined with its continued support of Security Essentials, an AV product, on Windows 7 past tomorrow’s end-of-support (EOL) life cycle, it appears that Microsoft has found a way around extending support for everyone: This 10-year-old platform may not be getting OS updates anymore, but it will be protected by Microsoft’s web browser and AV solution. Many will see those as reason enough to keep using it without much worry.

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Conversation 8 comments

  • ivarh

    Premium Member
    13 January, 2020 - 10:29 pm

    <p>Until the next 0 day for windows 7 comes along.</p>

    • IanYates82

      Premium Member
      13 January, 2020 - 11:52 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#512734">In reply to ivarh:</a></em></blockquote><p>True. But if you're on a home network the only real zero-days you need to worry about come via your browser. With that patched, you're pretty much covered.</p><p><br></p><p>I wouldn't run myself that way, but I don't begrudge someone else the simplicity of at least sticking with Windows 7 and the better browser.</p><p><br></p><p>Is Microsoft auto-deploying the new Edge to Windows 7 to supplant Internet Explorer, or is that only for Windows 10? I suspect the latter, which is a shame but understood (who would want to make a major change to the PCs of users who are least able to handle it – those still running stock Internet Explorer on Windows 7)</p>

      • wright_is

        Premium Member
        14 January, 2020 - 3:59 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#512763">In reply to IanYates82:</a></em></blockquote><p>Or IoT devices or poorly configured home router or visiting devices from friends or family that are logged into the network etc.</p><p>If you have isolated yourself, only let the Windows 7 PC on the network, have a decent security gateway installed and keep AV and the browser up to date, then you might be relatively safe. But many homes will have smartphones, tablets, assistants, Internet of Securityafterthought devices (IoT), have the standard, cheap router provided by their ISP etc. and that means that there are multiple attack vectors.</p>

  • miamimauler

    13 January, 2020 - 10:41 pm

    <p>Microsoft once again shooting itself in the foot with its mixed and confused messaging.</p><p><br></p><p>Let's encourage W7 users to upgrade to W10 while we give them reasons to stay on W7! It's just completely baffling to me.</p>

    • rm

      14 January, 2020 - 8:36 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#512749">In reply to miamimauler:</a></em></blockquote><p>Actually, any vulnerability is a vulnerability even if it is not critical. Microsoft will only be patching the most critical that it decided to patch in the OS. So, people should be planning to get off the OS now, not 18 months from now. There is a difference in the level of support.</p>

  • harmjr

    Premium Member
    14 January, 2020 - 10:49 am

    <p>Is it just me or did Google just make the determination of the end of Windows 7.</p>

  • MikeCerm

    14 January, 2020 - 10:24 pm

    <p>It seems odd to me that they're supporting Windows 7 at all with a new browser that hasn't actually launched yet. I mean, sure, it takes no additional effort on there part if the same executable runs on Windows 7 as what runs on Windows 10, but it certainly undercuts the message that Windows 7 is no longer supported. </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      15 January, 2020 - 8:02 am

      It makes sense. Windows 7 is supported for three more years for enterprises that pay for that support, and migrating to the new browser now will ease the eventual migration to Windows 10.

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