Why I’m writing about this
I’ve still got one stubborn device running Windows 10—a Lenovo tablet that’s been my “media mule” for years. It’s not eligible for Windows 11, and honestly, I don’t have the heart to retire it yet. Every evening, I fire up Chrome on it to stream or check dashboards, and the question nags me: how long before Google pulls the plug?
Microsoft has already wrapped up mainstream support for Windows 10, with extended security updates stretching into 2026. That buys us time, but it doesn’t erase the looming sunset. And Chrome, being the daily driver for so many of us, is the piece I worry about most.
My hands-on reality
Not gonna lie, I’ve tested Chrome updates on this tablet like a hawk. Each patch feels like a small sigh of relief—“okay, we’re still alive.” Back in 2019, I had a similar déjà vu moment when Chrome finally stopped supporting Windows 7. I remember patching a lab machine on Server 2016, thinking I could squeeze more life out of it, only to watch the browser freeze mid-install. The screen just sat there—black, silent, almost mocking me. Lesson learned: browsers don’t always die gracefully.
What’s actually happening
Here’s the kicker: Google hasn’t given us a hard cutoff date for Chrome on Windows 10. The only semi-official word is that Chrome will keep receiving updates “as long as LTSC editions of Windows 10 are supported.” That’s corporate-speak for: if you’re on consumer builds, don’t get too comfortable.
Behind the scenes, Chrome has started checking whether your PC is eligible for Windows 11. That’s telemetry, plain and simple—Google wants to know how many of us are still clinging to Windows 10 before deciding when to pull the plug.
Surprises and contradictions
Most guides will tell you: “Upgrade to Windows 11 or move on.” Fair advice, but here’s the contradiction I’ve lived—Chrome often outlasts Microsoft’s deadlines. With Windows 7, Google gave us nearly three extra years of updates after Microsoft stopped patching it. So while the official line is grim, the practical reality is that Chrome tends to linger longer than expected.
Workarounds and lessons learned
Here’s what I’ve done to keep my Windows 10 tablet safe-ish:
- Enrolled in Extended Security Updates (yes, it costs, but peace of mind matters).
- Kept Chrome patched religiously—no skipping updates, even if they break extensions.
- Trimmed the fat—uninstalled outdated apps that could become attack vectors.
- Backed up everything—because one day, Chrome will stop, and I’ll need to migrate fast.
Ever spent an hour debugging a typo in a PowerShell script? Same vibe here—tiny oversights can cost you big when you’re running unsupported systems.
Final thoughts
It was a rainy Tuesday in Bengaluru when I finally admitted to myself: this tablet’s days are numbered. Chrome will keep working for now, but not forever. The writing’s on the wall, even if Google hasn’t carved the date yet.
So here’s my reflection: don’t wait for the cutoff to surprise you. Plan your exit strategy now. Whether that’s upgrading hardware, switching browsers, or just backing up your files, future-proofing beats scrambling.
Over to you
Are you still running Chrome on Windows 10? Do you have a “last man standing” device like mine that you just can’t let go of? I’d love to hear your stories—especially the quirky setups or unexpected bugs you’ve faced. Because let’s be honest: half the fun of being a tech admin is swapping war stories about the machines that refuse to die.
