Google is set to end support for its Internet browser Chrome on older versions of Windows next week.

Millions of users will miss out on vital updates and technical support if they're still on a Windows 7 or Windows 8 device, meaning you'll have to upgrade to Windows 10 or later to keep accessing the Internet.

Despite being years old, an estimated 14 percent of Windows devices still use Windows 7, so it could affect many different users around the world.

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Microsoft itself dropped support for Windows 7 three years ago in January 2020, and now it seems that Google is following suit for its popular web browser.

Google Chrome's support manager said: "Chrome 109 is the last version of Chrome that will support Windows 7 and Windows 8 / 8.1. Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023) is the first version of Chrome that requires Windows 10 or later."

They added: "You'll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases."

Google originally planned to ditch support for Chrome on Windows 7 and 8 way back in July 2021, but pushed the deadline back twice until January 10, 2023.

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Fortunately, you can still upgrade your Windows 7 PC to Windows 10 for free by taking advantage of Microsoft's built-in upgrade tool.

According to ZDNet, all you need is a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to upgrade for free.

Back up your files, make sure all your hardware is updated, and disconnect external storage. Then, you just have to go to the Download Windows 10 website, hit 'Download Now', then run the Media Creation tool.

Hit 'Upgrade This PC Now' once you're given the option. It should take about an hour to install the latest version of Windows 10. It shouldn't ask you for a product key and will give you a free digital license for the software.

You'll not only be able to keep on using the latest version of Google Chrome, but also get lots of swift new features for your Windows PC.

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