Microsoft is cutting off Windows 7 and Windows 8 critical security updates and technical support this January.

In merely a week millions of PC users will be forced to upgrade their systems. Otherwise, they might be at risk due to the lack of the latest security updates from the Redmond-based tech giant.

(Photo : Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS.

If you are one of these folks clinging to Windows 7 or 8, you might want to consider getting an upgrade in time for the new year. Microsoft has long been encouraging its users to ditch their older systems. And now, the deadline for it is nearing.

Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8 Security Update Support End

As per the latest report by The Verge, Microsoft is ending its rollout of critical security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in merely a week.

On January 10, these older operating systems would get their last security update and technical support from the renowned software maker.

It is worth mentioning that the giant firm announced way back in 2020 that it is planning to end support for the aging Windows 7, The Verge notes in its report.

(Photo : Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 2: The Microsoft logo is illuminated on a wall during a Microsoft launch event to introduce the new Microsoft Surface laptop and Windows 10 S operating system, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS.

This time, the day that Microsoft is cutting ties with these older Windows versions is only a week away from today. It gives users a few more days to go about upgrading their systems. If not, it would not be long before they get exposed to potential security risks.

Not to mention that apps, especially web browsers like Google Chrome, would also stop working following the end of support from Microsoft.

The Verge tells its readers that around 100 million PC users could potentially be affected by the end of security support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Given that, millions of folks might be forced to make an upgrade this year.

Read Also: 'Resident Evil 3' System Requirements Changed: No More Windows 7 and 8.1

Google Chrome for Windows 7 to Stop Working

Following the move of the Redmond behemoth, Google is also ending support for older Windows PCs in a week.

According to a recent report by Metro UK, the search engine giant plans to end security and technical support for Chrome on January 10.

The British media outfit notes in its report that Google had already pushed back this deadline several times.

The end of support of Chrome for Windows 7 should have begun last July 15, 2021. However, Metro UK says the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the giant firm to extend it to January 15, 2022.

But it got pushed roughly a year more, leading to its new Jan. 10 deadline.

Given that, Chrome version 109 is the last update to support Windows 7 and 8/8.1. The next update, which rolls out next month, no longer work for these older operating systems.

Related Article: Microsoft Edge is Ending Windows 7, 8, 8.1 Support Starting January 2023