Google Chrome expires on old operating systems April 2016

Please be aware that Google plans to end support for the Google Chrome web browser, running on older operating systems in April 2016. Be aware that Google will no longer update the application and will not release security patches after April. If you are running Google Chrome on an older operating system, you may begin seeing this message in your Chrome browser:

“​this computer will soon stop receiving google chrome updates because windows xp and windows vista will no longer be supported.”

By continuing to use the browser after April 2016, you will increase vulnerability to hacks, viruses, malware, and loss of personal information as Google will no longer release fixes to newly found problems with the browser. This only impacts customers using Windows XP, Vista, Max OS X 10.5 (or older) and also non-supported versions of Linux. If you are running Windows 7, 8, or 10 you are perfectly fine and may disregard. If you are still running Windows XP, get off now, it expired April 2015.

This is a big deal but you have options to prepare you for April 2016. When Google no longer supports the Google Chrome browser you’ll want to already have one of these options completed.

1. STOP USING GOOGLE CHROME ON OLD OPERATING SYSTEMS – This one is simple enough, just uninstall Google Chrome and stop using it on your old computer. Instead, use Internet Explorer or FireFox as your default browser. This will buy you time, at least until Windows Vista support expires in April 2017. Internet Explorer is already installed on your computer and FireFox is a free download, so there are not costs associated with this approach.
2. UPGRADE YOUR COMPUTER TO WINDOWS 7 or NEWER –  Remember, Google Chrome is still supported on newer operating systems and is an awesome (the best!) web browser. Keep in mind, if you upgrade the operating system, you might as well upgrade the hard drive at the same time and give your system a complete overhaul.
3. BUY A NEW COMPUTER – Buying a new computer is an expensive option; however, it might just be the best option depending how old your computer is. We can help you with determining what is best to do.

Here is the notification from Google regarding the end of support for Google Chrome web browser on older computer operating systems.

Google Chrome’s support for the following platforms will end in April 2016:

• Windows XP and Windows Vista.

• Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8.

• Any 32-bit Linux, as well as Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise) and Debian 7 (Wheezy).

Starting April 2016, Chrome will continue to function on these platforms but will no longer receive updates and security fixes. If you are still on one of these unsupported platforms, we encourage you to move to a newer operating system to ensure that you continue to receive the latest Chrome versions and features.

FAQ

Q: When does support end for these platforms?
A: April 2016.

Q: Will I still be able to use Chrome on these platforms?
A: Yes, Chrome will continue to function as normal on these platforms. However, you will no longer receive updates and security fixes.

Q: Why is Google doing this?
A: These platforms are no longer actively supported by Microsoft and Apple. Such older platforms are missing critical security updates and have a greater potential to be infected by viruses and malware. In particular, computers running Windows XP haven’t received security patches in over a year and are facing a number of critical security vulnerabilities. At the operating system level, computers running XP are inherently in danger of being infected by malware and viruses, making it increasingly difficult for Chrome to provide a secure browsing environment. That is why we strongly encourage everyone to update to a supported, secure operating system.

Q: What should I do?
A: We encourage you to move to a newer operating system to ensure that you continue to receive the latest Chrome versions and features.

• Windows: Upgrade to Windows 10.

• Mac OS X: Upgrade to OS X El Capitan.

• Linux: Upgrade to a supported 64-bit Linux.

If your computer is not able to support these newer operating systems, you may want to consider investing in a modern computer, Mac or Chromebook.