Google has confirmed that millions of PCs will be blocked from downloading its latest version of Chrome, meaning that older devices will be much more vulnerable to bugs and cyber attacks.

The latest version of Chrome (named 110) will not be available to anyone running older Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating systems, the tech giant said.

Chrome is regularly updated with new features added and vital patches released which often mend so-called "zero-day" flaws, the Express reports.

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These issues can be incredibly serious with those "zero-day" ratings meaning hackers are aware of the glitches and are actively exploiting them.

With Google no longer supporting Chrome updates on some versions of Windows, it could leave millions exposed to hackers.

Google said: "Chrome 109 is the last version of Chrome that will support Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2.

"Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023) is the first version of Chrome that requires Windows 10 or later. You’ll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases."

It comes after news that Windows 7 and Windows 8 users can no longer buy Windows 10 via Microsoft's official store.

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That block was announced last week and that means anyone wanting to switch software will now need to move straight to Windows 11.

Those with ageing laptops may find their devices aren't compatible with this new Microsoft operating sytem.

Google has confirmed that older versions of Chrome will still work but there will be no further updates released for users on these operating systems.

"If you are currently on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features," Google said in a blog post.

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