Youtube says Update your browser

[doversoul1]

This message has popped up on youtube site.

YouTube works with a wide range of browsers. However, if you'd like to use many of our latest and greatest features, please upgrade to a modern, fully supported browser

What are those features? I don’t do anything other than listen/watch the video clips. Do I need to update? I am using Window Vista.

[Bryn]

... I am using Window Vista.

You have my deepest sympathy, and you don't even qualify for the free 'upgrade' to Windows 10.

Sorry, I have no idea what the new features of YouTube might be.

[Don Petter]

I thought Vista was an OS, not a browser?

[Frances_iom]

probably an old version if using Internet Exploder - Google is moving as much as possible away from Flash towards HTML5 - try installing Firefox, Chromium or even Chrome

[french frank]

ds

Vista is the operating system. It's saying you need to update your browser, so it depends which browser you're using. Is it the Internet Explorer that came with Vista?

I've got Vista on my old laptop and have just got the message that YouTube will stop supporting the IE browser I'm using. It gives you a link to click on to upgrade and that offers you IE, Chrome or Firefox. Looks as if you should upgrade if you want to continue using YouTube. Or just download a different browser.

[doversoul1]

I thought Vista was an OS, not a browser?

Ah, it is. The browser: I am using Internet Explorer that came with Vista (I think….).

Bryn
What is it that I am receiving your deepest sympathy for? I suppose Vista is a bit old but it suits me fine. I am more worried about the actual computer (desktop) is wearing out a bit.

ff
Thanks.

[DracoM]

I'd be every so very slightly careful of accessing anything, to be frank.
Can you vouch for its bona fides?

[french frank]

Ha ha. Lots of answers since I've been getting my old laptop out. :-)

[richardfinegold]

It isn't just YouTube that demands an updated browser. Many programs won't work with Safari either

[doversoul1]

I said I want to update Internet Explorer and got this. Does this mean I now need to update the OS itself?

Thanks!
You're using Internet Explorer 9, the latest browser for Windows Vista. Now see what's next for Windows.

I am slightly suspicious about this in the original message.

...many of our latest and greatest features

,

Can it mean that if I am just using it to listen or watch, it may not matter?

[ed] I've just noticed: it is upgrade and not update. I don't know if I wan to upgrade just like that...

[french frank]

Can it mean that if I am just using it to listen or watch, it may not matter?

Yes, I'd say so (that it doesn't matter, as long as you can see the videos you're looking for).

And, yes, it will try to take you on to the next step but ... you don't have to go! :-)

[Bryn]

Ah, it is. The browser: I am using Internet Explorer that came with Vista (I think….).

Bryn
What is it that I am receiving your deepest sympathy for? I suppose Vista is a bit old but it suits me fine. I am more worried about the actual computer (desktop) is wearing out a bit. ... .

Vista was and remains regarded as one of Microsoft's backwards steps, which is why so many users stuck with XP until Windows 7 was released. Not quite as bad a 'development' as Windows 8, but very unfriendly to much legacy software. Also, the free upgrade to Windows 10 only applies only to Windows 7 and 8.1, not Vista. I made the mistake of buying a Windows 8 HP laptop when Windows 8 was the new kid on the block. I have spent much of the past 24 hours or so struggling to upgrade it to Windows 8.1 to enable the eventual upgrade to Windows 10. It has been a rather dispiriting experience involving updating most drivers and uninstalling much software to get the upgrade to complete successfully.

[doversoul1]

Yes, I'd say so (that it doesn't matter, as long as you can see the videos you're looking for).

And, yes, it will try to take you on to the next step but ... you don't have to go! :-)

Thanks. That was what I was beginning to think.

Thanks everyone. I am very much reassured. Phew….

I wonder how many poor non/un-techies like me panicked and unwittingly upgraded , thinking it’s one of those free update things.

[ed.] Bryn
I have heard a lot of bad things about Vista but my needs are terribly simple and I have lived with it quite happily. I’ll probably keep it as long as it is supported.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I have Windows7 on this laptop - it keeps telling me I can upgrade to 10 if I want. Is this a good idea?

[Frances_iom]

My last 3 M/S pre-installed laptops were very quickly upgraded to MINT - once at Win10 it seems there is no easy route back - I'd leave it for a bit until M/S get rid of the initial set of bugs in their new system - also don't forget with Win10 you CANNOT disable M/S updates even if they brick your device