Early in 2022, the cloud storage platform will stop supporting earlier versions of Windows. Some Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 users now have another reason to update to a newer version of the operating system, thanks to Microsoft. In early 2022, the business stated that support for earlier versions of Windows will be phased off of its OneDrive cloud storage platform. 

“Beginning January 1, 2022, updates for the OneDrive desktop application on your personal Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 devices will no longer be provided in order to focus resources on new technologies and operating systems, and to provide users with the most up-to-date and secure experience,” Microsoft said in a blog post about the change. “On March 1, 2022, personal OneDrive desktop programs running on these operating systems will no longer sync to the cloud.” 

Microsoft recommends that users of older versions of Windows update to Windows 10 or 11. For many people, however, this is easier said than done, whether because their gear doesn’t satisfy the increased system requirements or because they don’t want to upgrade. However, given the impending end of support for Windows 7 and 8.1—both of which Microsoft expects to cease upgrading on January 10, 2023—those hurdles will have to be surmounted sooner rather than later. 

Users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, on the other hand, will have another option. Files may still be uploaded and downloaded using Office 365 OneDrive’s online app, but they won’t immediately sync with the platform’s native apps, according to Microsoft. It also mentions that these changes apply to OneDrive for Consumers. The firm claims that support for the business edition “will be aligned with the Windows support lifecycle,” implying that Windows 7 and 8.1 would be supported until 2023.