Without the Windows 7 Extended Security updates Internet Explorer functionality will be vulnerable to security risks. In order for IE mode to be supported on these operating systems the devices will need to have the Extended Security Updates for Windows 7. While Microsoft Edge helps keep you more secure on the web, your PC may still be vulnerable to security risks. These operating systems are out of support and Microsoft recommends you move to a supported operating system such as Windows 10.

That said, if you’re still using a 32-bit processor, it may be time to upgrade - the weaker version of Windows 10 has several limitations, like capping out at 3.2GB of RAM and less stringent security measures.** We will continue to support Microsoft Edge on Windows 7 and on Windows Server 2008 R2 until January 15, 2023. Microsoft says that it will continue to update the OS with new features and security patches, and will still sell it directly to consumers. This news doesn’t mean that Microsoft will no longer support computers running 32-bit Windows 10.

Spotted by NeoWin in the system requirements for the upcoming Windows update, Microsoft states that, “Beginning with Windows 10, version 2004, all new Windows 10 systems will be required to use 64-bit builds and Microsoft will no longer release 32-bit builds for OEM distribution.” In other words, any computer you buy in the future that has Windows 10 preloaded will be running the 64-bit version.

With the era of 32-bit processors winding down, Microsoft is putting the lesser version of its operating system on the back burner. While they look and feel nearly identical, the latter takes advantage of faster and better hardware specs. Windows 10 comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit varieties.

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