With the Windows 7 End of Life date looming ever so close we’ve gotten a number of questions asked about Windows 7 Extended Security Updates or Windows 7 ESU. This post hopes to provide an FAQ of the top 10 things you need to know.
What does Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Include?
Windows 7 ESU includes security update for critical and important issues as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center. These updates start on January 14th 2020 and can be purchased for a maximum of three years.
Will there be an ESU for Office 2010?
No. However, our team would be more than happy to discuss affordable options for upgrading to Office 365.
Which editions of Windows 7 are eligible to be covered under the ESU?
Windows 7 Extended Security Updates can only be purchased for Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise editions only.
When is the deadline for purchasing Extended Security Updates for Windows 7?
Windows 7 will reach end of support on January 14, 2020, but organizations can purchase ESU any time during that three year period. However, should you wait to purchase ESU in year 2 or year 3 you will have to pay for the prior years. So if you purchase in Year 3 only you will have to pay for Year 2 and Year 1 as well.
If I purchase Windows Extended Security Updates will I continue to get Bug fixes and updates?
No. Windows Extended Security Updates only provides Security updates for Critical and important security issues. There is also no support provided after January 14th, 2020 for Windows 7.
Who can I buy Windows Extended Security Updates through?
You can purchase Windows 7 Extended Security Updates through Microsoft CSP Partners like Applied Innovations. These purchases are made on an annual basis. Details on how to go about this can be found on our page here.
Will Windows 7 ESU include updates for the .NET Framework?
Yes, updates will be included for the .NET Framework versions 4.5.2 to 4.8 as well as .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1.
My computer came with Windows 7 Pro OEM edition. Can I purchase Extended Security Updates for Windows 7 Pro OEM?
Yes.
Can I get ESU for free?
Windows 7 VMs hosted in Azure receive free ESU. These updates are delivered the same as for on-premise clients.
We use Microsoft Security Essentials, will it continue to work?
No. However, our team would be happy to discuss with you options for managed endpoint detection and remediation software and services.