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Google will end Chrome support on Windows 7 and 8.1 in early 2023
You'll still be able to use older builds of the browser on those operating systems, but you'll need a more recent version of Windows to keep getting feature and security updates.
Microsoft OneDrive app will stop syncing with Windows 7 and 8 on March 1st, 2022
Microsoft will disable OneDrive syncing with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 PCs on March 1st, 2022.
Hacked Florida water plant used shared passwords and Windows 7 PCs
The Oldsmar, Florida water plant hacked earlier this week used outdated Windows 7 PCs and shared passwords.
Google extends Chrome support for Windows 7 until 2022
Google will keep providing updates for Chrome on Windows 7 for six months longer than it originally planned. The tech giant announced in January this year that it’ll stop supporting the browser for the old Windows OS on July 15th, 2021.
Bug prevents Windows 7 users from shutting down their PCs
Microsoft was supposed to have ended Windows 7 support in mid-January, but it can't seem to completely let go -- and neither can some PCs, apparently. Many users on Microsoft's forums, Reddit and elsewhere are reporting that their Windows 7 systems refuse to shut down or reboot as they normally would, claiming that "you don't have permission to shut down this computer." Users have unofficially fixed it by running the Group Policy Editor from the command line to force permissions, but that's clearly not something users should have to do just to turn their PCs off.
After Math: Risky businesses
Joel Goodsen would blush seeing the sorts of shenanigans some of these these corporations have been getting into. And occasionally even succeeding at. Netflix goosed its viewing criteria to give a coin to its Witcher, Microsoft had another privacy whoopsie, and Germany just straight up forgot to upgrade its OS and is now paying the price. Here are five of the week's top business headlines.
Germany has to pay Microsoft for failing to upgrade from Windows 7
Last winter, Microsoft announced that Windows 7 would reach its end-of-life on January 14th, 2020. In other words, the company will not be releasing any updates for the operating system -- even crucial security patches -- after that date. The public had nearly a year to make the move to Windows 10, but Germany's government didn't upgrade in time. According to German newspaper Handelsblatt, the German Federal Ministry has at least 33,000 computers still running Windows 7 and, as a result, will have to pay Microsoft about $887,000 in extended security update fees.
Microsoft ends support for Windows 7 today
It's the end of the road for Windows 7. After 10 years of support, Microsoft is ending security updates for the operating system today. This means that if you're still using it you'll be vulnerable to bugs, and any problems that arise won't be fixed (unless you're part of a company that's paid for extended support, in which case you're good until 2023).
Microsoft is shutting down its internet board and card games
Microsoft has already given users of older Windows versions some not-so-subtle hints that it's time to move on. Now, it's giving them more of a push by removing things dear to their hearts: their board and card games. The software giant is shutting down several Internet Games for people using Windows 7 and earlier, including Backgammon, Checkers, Hearts, Reversi, Spades and MSN Go. Just when you'll lose access will depend on your version of Windows.
Microsoft's reworked Edge browser is available to try on Windows 7
Microsoft has expanded the reach of its Chromium-based Edge browser to one of its most important audiences: namely, people who have to (or want to) use older versions of Windows. The company has released Canary channel preview builds of Edge for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users. They're rough around the edges like most pre-release software. The feature set will be "largely the same" as you'd get on Windows 10, however, including the upcoming Internet Explorer mode to satisfy business users who need compatibility.
Old versions of Windows get a new patch to stop WannaCry-style attacks
Microsoft is trying to head off another WannaCry-style malware outbreak before it starts. The software giant has released fixes for a Remote Desktop Services (aka Terminal Services) vulnerability that could allow "wormable" malware that spreads from computer to computer without requiring any user input. The exploit affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and older releases. Not surprisingly, Microsoft isn't taking any chances. While it's no longer officially supporting Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, it's patching both platforms to prevent ancient PCs (like those used in some business and government scenarios) from falling prey to attacks.
Windows 7 message alerts users to the end of security updates
Microsoft really, really wants you to know that Windows 7's security updates will end soon. A newly deployed update will warn users that Microsoft will stop providing security updates for the operating system after January 14th, 2020, with a not-so-subtle reminder that the software has been around for 10 years. The updates should start appearing on April 18th. The alert will be hard to miss when it arrives the first time, though you'll thankfully have the option of disabling future reminders.
Windows 7's first DirectX 12 game is 'World of Warcraft'
Gamers who remain on Windows 7 can now play World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth with the added boost of DirectX 12. Microsoft announced that Blizzard would be the first game developer to offer DirectX 12 support for Windows 7. This will be good news for stubborn Windows 7 users who still haven't upgraded to Windows 10. Thanks to the API's support for multi-threading, players can expect a framerate boost even on the older OS.
Microsoft now rolling out free Windows 10 upgrades
Today's the day! Windows 10 is now available in 190 countries as a free upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1 owners. Replacing an OS is no one's idea of fun, but we're actually looking forward to this one. First off, we'll be leaving behind the most hated version of Windows ever (sorry, Vista). In return, we'll get one Microsoft was so confident in that they skipped version 9 altogether because hey, Windows 10 sounds better. So how to get it? We've got a handy guide, and Microsoft has info here, but if you already reserved your free upgrade, hang in there, as Microsoft says it's rolling out in waves.
Windows 10 testers can keep it for free, with a small catch
Microsoft made headlines last week when it seemingly announced that it would give away a free copy of the new OS to anyone who signed up to test it. Today however, the company has "clarified" that statement to explain that the offer isn't quite as cut and dry. Windows 7 and 8.1 users are still eligible for a free upgrade on July 29th. However, folks that have installed Windows 10 preview will need to stay signed up for future pre-release updates in order to keep their build's activation status current. But don't think you can be slick and just use your current Preview install while opting out of future updates. If you don't, the build license will eventually expire. So if you want to get a legit version of Windows 10 without paying for it (or one of the previous eligible versions), it looks like your best and only choice is to keep being Microsoft's guinea pig.
Microsoft releases Xbox One controller drivers for PC
Microsoft has released a set of drivers that enable Xbox One controller support for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows PCs. The Xbox One controller works with any game that currently features support for the Xbox 360 controller. After installing Microsoft's drivers, players can immediately start using the Xbox One controller in compatible games and apps by connecting it via a micro USB cable. Native controller support will be featured in a future Windows update, but Microsoft notes that it wanted to push out updated drivers as soon as possible in order to let users "play their favorite PC games with what we consider the best controller ever made." [Image: Microsoft]
Apple issues day-one EFI update for new iMacs to address Boot Camp issue
No sooner had Apple announced the 2013 iMacs than they also issued a day-one EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) update for the speedy new all-in-ones. The update is targeted at an issue that sometimes occurs when installing a Boot Camp partition with Windows 7 or Windows 8. The issue appears when an external optical drive (the devices have no internal optical drive) and a USB thumb drive are connected at the same time, causing the screen to go black. The update also ensures that the default boot drive for the system will be OS X after Windows 8 is installed. iMac (late 2013) EFI Update 2.1 can be downloaded from Apple's support pages, and requires that the Mac be running OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 or later.
gdgt's best deals for July 22: Nintendo 3DS, RCA HDTV
Ready to save some cash on your tech buys? Then you've come to the right place. Our sister site gdgt tracks price drops on thousands of products every day, and twice a week they feature some of the best deals they've found right here. But act fast! Many of these are limited-time offers, and won't last long. Today's hottest deals include Nintendo's 3DS at one of the lowest prices we've seen, as well as a hot deal on a 32-inch RCA HDTV. Want the latest deals delivered to your inbox? Join gdgt and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your "Want" list. Every time there's a price cut, you'll get an email alert!
The Daily Roundup for 02.26.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
EU antitrust commission charges Microsoft over browser selection 'breach'
European regulators have charged Microsoft for not giving Windows 7 users a choice of internet browsers when they install the OS. Although this is only an initial step towards a fine for the software maker, Microsoft agreed with the European Commission to offer browser choices to its Windows users over three years ago, avoiding a heavy antitrust penalty. Unfortunately, while Microsoft acknowledged the "technical error", this wasn't before the European Commission picked up the issue -- the EU's antitrust watchdog said in July that Microsoft had not complied with the order from February 2011. According to a Reuters report earlier this year, and echoed in the EU's statement below, the fine could amount to as much as 10 percent of the Redmond company's global turnover. Update: Microsoft has issued a statement on the EU charge, received by The Verge. "We take this matter very seriously and moved quickly to address this problem as soon as we became aware of it. Although this was the result of a technical error, we take responsibility for what happened, and we are strengthening our internal procedures to help ensure something like this cannot happen again. We sincerely apologize for this mistake and will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission."
