Microsoft OneDrive will no longer be compatible with millions of Windows PCs
Windows 7 and 8 users will need to update or lose OneDrive access
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Millions of Windows users could lose access to their onlinecloud storagewithin weeks asMicrosoftlooks to encourage upgrading to the latest software.
The tech giant has warned that theOneDriveapp will stop syncing withWindows 7, 8 and 8.1 on March 1, 2022, meaning users only have a few weeks to upgrade to a newer version or possibly lose access to their files.
DespiteWindows 7and 8 being initially released nearly a decade ago, the twooperating systemsstill see millions of users, meaning many will need to get updating soon.
OneDrive for Windows support
“In order to focus resources on new technologies and operating systems, and to provide users with the most up-to-date and secure experience, beginning January 1, 2022, updates will no longer be provided for the OneDrive desktop application on your personal Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 devices,” Microsoft’s Ankita Kirti wrote in ablog postannouncing the news.
“Personal OneDrive desktop applications running on these operating systems will stop syncing to the cloud on March 1, 2022.”
The closure does not affect business users in the same way, with Microsoft saying that starting January 1, 2022, support for the OneDrive desktop application for business will be aligned with the Windows support lifecycle.
Windows 7 andWindows 8.1 are in extended support until January 10, 2023, however Windows 8 reached end of support on January 12, 2016, meaning it no longer receives vital security updates that keep devices safe from the latest cyber threats.
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Microsoft says it advises upgrading your operating system to eitherWindows 10orWindows 11"to avoid disruption" - although it does note that many devices currently running Windows 7 or 8 may not fit the hardware system requirements for the latest software.
To see if your PC is compatible withWindows 11 system requirements, you can check out our guide above.
Looking to move your files to the cloud? Check out our roundup of thebest cloud backup
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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