Google Drive joins the applications that will start 2023 taking off the ballast, specifically, Windows 7 supportone of the most popular versions of Microsoft’s operating system in recent years, which still drags on with a not inconsiderable market share.
Be that as it may, and despite the fact that 2020 was the year in which -with exceptions in the professional field- Microsoft ended official support according to the most recent data, Windows 7 occupies more than 10% market share, and this it only takes into account the machines connected to the Internet, the most susceptible to suffering security problems derived from the non-maintenance of the system.
In other words, if Windows is already a system prone to security problems, being neglected by Microsoft makes it a potential black hole from which every user with a bit of common sense should flee. But as they say, common sense is the least common of senses and one way to bring about change is to withdraw support for popular apps.
Google has taken the lead in this regard and, without going any further, in January 2023 the latest update to Chrome for Windows 7 will be released, a blow that should be final, but will be seen soon, considering that security does not seem to be a priority for the millions of users who continue to use Windows 7. In all In any case, it will not be the only application from the Internet giant to do the same.
Another very popular one that will say goodbye to Windows 7 as soon as the year begins is the Google Drive desktop client, the Mountain View file storage and synchronization service, as stated in the latest update of the release notes. the version of Google Drive for computers:
In January 2023, Drive for computers will no longer support Windows 7 and macOS versions earlier than 10.15.7. To continue using Drive for computers, follow these steps:
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- Windows users: Upgrade to Windows 8 or a later version before January 2023.
- macOS users– Update to macOS 10.15.7 or later before January 2023.
As can be seen, the change will not only affect Windows, Mac is also included, although support between versions of Apple’s system is usually broader. The upgrade recommendation in Windows, however, seems a bit outdated, as Windows 8.1 will be out of support on January 10, 2023. Google Drive will still be supported in Windows 8.1, but it’s not the best decision for the user. In this regard.
The best thing to do is to jump to Windows 11, which is where Microsoft has all its interest, but if the system requirements are a limitation for migration, the safe bet is Windows 10whose support will be extended until 2025. Actively or passively, however, leaving Windows 7 as soon as possible is the best thing that anyone who continues to use it can do.
