Why Your Gmail May Stop Working After Feb. 8, 2017

Why Your Gmail May Stop Working After Feb. 8, 2017

If you are a Windows XP or Windows Vista user, you need to act soon. Google has confirmed that Gmail will stop working on Chrome Browser version 53 and below, starting February 8, 2017. This means that users who are still using Windows XP and Windows Vista desktops and laptops will not be able to use the emailing platform by Google, if they are using Chrome Browser.

Chrome Browser version 53 and below are vulnerable to security risks because Microsoft has discontinued their operating system support for Windows XP and Vista. “Gmail users that are still on Windows XP and Windows Vista are the most likely to be affected, because v49 was the last released version which supported those operating systems. As previously announced in April 2015 and November 2015, these systems are no longer maintained by Microsoft, and we strongly encourage you to migrate to more secure and supported systems,” mentions Google on its blog.

Alphabet Inc announced that your Google Mail, or Gmail, may stop working on February 8, 2017.

Google has Confirmed that Gmail will Stop Working on Chrome Browser

The company revealed that users should update their Google Chrome browser because Gmail will no longer be available for those with a version of the browser number 53 or lower. Alphabet announced that the move will be in motion as of February 8, which will affect Windows XP and Windows Vista users unless they update their operating system on the coming days.

The company said that it decided to make the move because Google Chrome browser versions lower than 53 do not have the security features that more advanced browsers have, thus making them vulnerable to breaches. Google essentially said that there is a high chance of you facing a cyberattack if you are using Chrome v53 or lower. Additionally, there will be no bug fixes or security patches available to you any more. Other than Gmail, you will still be able to use the Chrome browser until the end of the year, but it will only exist in its basic HTML version.

If you continue to use Chrome Browser v53 or lower on the older operating systems, your Gmail could be vulnerable to attacks and you won’t be able to get any security patches or bug fixes.

Gmail on Chrome will Soon Stop Working on Older Versions

If you continue to use Chrome Browser v53 or lower on the older operating systems, your Gmail could be vulnerable to attacks and you won’t be able to get any security patches or bug fixes. However, Google did mention that you will be able to continue using the affected browsers through 2017, but will be redirected to the basic HTML version of Gmail.

“Google does not typically announce when we discontinue support for older versions of Chrome browser because of our current supported browser policy, which states that only the most recent version of Chrome is supported. This announcement was made given the expected impact on Windows XP and Windows Vista users and known security risks,” Google added on its blog.

Those who are still using Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems are advised to upgrade to a newer operating system. Installing third-party browsers to access your Gmail account could be possible, but there is no surety on the safety of your account. It is advised that you upgrade immediately. Others who have not yet upgraded their browsers to the latest version can click here to download and install the latest version of Google Chrome Browser.