Similarly, Webview2 Runtime version 109 will also be the last version to support the aforementioned operating systems. Additionally, WebView2 SDK versions 1.0.1519.0 and higher will no longer support Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. The decision to drop support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 for Edge users falls in line with the end of support for Windows 7 Extended Security Update (ESU) and Windows 8/8.1 on January 10th, 2023. Further, Microsoft Edge version 109 will also be the last supported version for Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. However, Internet Explorer 11 will remain supported on these operating systems for as long as they are in support. “While Microsoft Edge and Webview2 Runtime versions 109 and earlier will continue to work on these operating systems, those versions will not receive new features, future security updates, or bug fixes,” the Edge team wrote in a blog post. Microsoft also encourages developers to end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. “We acknowledge that this may not be easy for some developers to do, however ending support for these operating systems will help keep end users safe from potential security threats and risks as both operating systems go out of support on January 10th, 2023,” the team added. Those interested in getting new versions of Microsoft Edge or the Webview2 Runtime with up-to-date functionality and security are recommended to upgrade to Windows 10 or later. On the other hand, Google Chrome 109 too is ending support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 in early 2023. It has already started displaying notifications in Chrome on Windows 7 and 8.1 devices asking affected users to upgrade to Windows 10 or later. Users who are not interested in installing Windows 10 or 11 can switch to Mozilla Firefox, as the organization has plans to extend support until August 2023 via the ESR channel. The company has yet to announce when it plans to end support for Firefox on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Microsoft on Wednesday also released the first 110 build with 110.0.1543.0 to the Dev channel for Windows 10 and 11 users, which comes with added new features, improved reliability, as well as other changes and improvements. Those interested can download Microsoft Edge Dev for Windows 10 and 11, Linux, macOS, and Android from the official Edge Insider website.
