Windows 7 is attaining its End Of Life (EOL) on 14 January 2020. Along with Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are also attaining their end of support on the same day. Fortunately, Microsoft has decided to offer extended support for Windows 7, with Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) at an annual subscription. Windows 7 users who are reluctant or need time to upgrade to Windows 10, can purchase the Extended Security Updates (ESUs) from Microsoft. Once the updates are purchased, they can be deployed seamlessly using Patch Manager Plus, for free. This page will answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Extended Security Updates.

Customers have to purchase the Extended Security Updates from Microsoft. Patch Manager Plus will only aid in deploying these updates to your endpoints, at zero additional cost.

What does Windows 7 end of support mean?

Every software has a life cycle and so does every operating system. By 'Windows 7 end of support' Microsoft means that it will no longer support security patches and updates for the operating system after Jan 14, 2020. Windows 7 has been in an extended support phase since Jan 13, 2015. Since then, there has been no addition of any new feature in the OS. 

What will happen during Windows 7 end of support?

This straight away means that the Windows 7 users can no longer continue to use their PCs safely due to lack of security updates. Microsoft, hence, strongly recommends its Windows 7 users to switch to its subsequent operating system which is Windows 10.

Can I still use Windows 7 after 2020?

Since upgrading to a completely new operating system could involve a substantial amount of efforts, Microsoft will continue supporting Windows 7 through January 2023 by delivering Extended Security Updates.

Purchase ESUs from Microsoft to tackle end of support

The ESUs offer has been available in the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) since April 1, 2019. They are also available through Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs) since December 1, 2019.

When will Microsoft deliver Windows 7 Extended Security Updates?

Just like any other security update, Microsoft shall release these ESUs for Windows 7 every Patch Tuesday.

Are ESUs available to all Windows 7 versions?

It is to be noted that that the Windows 7 ESUs can be availed only by the users of Windows 7 Pro and Windows 7 Enterprise. The users have to subscribe to the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates on an annual basis, the cost of which will double each year.

How does Windows 7 extended support work?

On-premise customers who purchase extended security updates will receive a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) as an add-on through the volume licensing service center (VLSC). This key helps deploy the ESUs to the PCs. It is to be understood that the key shall not be activated until Fall 2019. Until there are further instructions available from Microsoft , customers can continue using their regular patching solution to keep their systems updated as usual. For customers without Volume Licensing, the ESUs can be availed through Cloud Solution providers (CSPs) near your enterprise,through this link.

How Much does Microsoft Windows 7 Extended Support cost?

1. Enterprise Agreement (EA) and Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS) customers with active subscriptions to Windows 10 E5, Microsoft 365 E5 and Microsoft 365 E5 Security can opt for Windows 7 Extended Security Updates for a year for free of cost.
2. For Windows Enterprise and Microsoft 365 customers, the Extended Security Updates will be available as an add-on at a cost of $25 per device for the first year, at $50 per device for the second year and $100 per device for the third.
3. For Windows 7 Pro users, the Extended Security Updates will be available at a cost of $50 per device for the first year, at $100 per device for the second year and $200 per device for the third.
4. While Microsoft offers Windows Virtual Desktop customers with the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates for free of cost for all 3 years as a part of the Windows Virtual Desktop licensing fee.

Seamlessly deploy Windows 7 ESUs with Patch Manager Plus

Eliminate the hassles involved in patching your Windows 7 machines. Patch Manager Plus, a fully automated patching solution can streamline the entire Windows 7 Extended Security Updates for you from a single console. We also support the deployment of updates for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, which are also nearing its end of support. Download Patch Manager Plus to seamlessly deploy Windows 7 ESUs.