The time has finally arrived! On January 14, Microsoft formally announced the end of support for Windows 7. If you haven’t made any updates in a while, now might be the time to get the final Windows updates available to you.
I’ve had a few customers ask about the delivery and activation mechanism for Extended Security Updates (ESUs). In this post, I will cover what Windows 7 end of support means for you and how you can get Windows ESUs for eligible devices.
What does it actually mean now that Windows 7 has reached end of support? For Windows 7, Microsoft will not fix any security issues, even if they are openly reported. If you are planning to use Windows 7 without Internet access, then you may not have any issues – if not, you should proceed with caution. Malware creators and unethical hackers have been waiting for this date and will be ready to exploit unsecure systems. Not only will they try to steal data from unsecured computers, but you could be at greater risk of a ransomware attack or these devices being used to spread viruses on your network. There is significant risk in the ‘do nothing’ approach.
Microsoft is offering one last chance to those who are serious about moving to Windows 10, through the ESU subscription plan. With this you can pay per user, per computer on a yearly basis, to get access to fixes for any new vulnerability that is found or reported. It is the best option for anyone that needs to keep using the Internet for their business and applications.
ESUs are available through specific volume licensing programs and coverage is available in three consecutive 12-month increments from January 14, 2020.
Prerequisites
The following must be completed before installing and activating ESU keys:
First, install the ESU product key using the Windows Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr):
Note: Installing the ESU product key will not replace the current OS activation method being used on the device. This is achieved by using the Activation ID to differentiate between the operating system’s activation and the ESU activation.
Next, find the ESU Activation ID:
Activate the ESU product key:
Once you have activated the ESU product key, you can verify the status at any time by following these steps:
We recommend using a management tool, such as System Center Configuration Manager, to send the slmgr scripts to your enterprise devices.
Get in touch if you need assistance with the procurement of the ESU licenses or activation and deployment of ESUs within your organisation. If you’re ready to begin your migration to Windows 10 take a look at the blog by Data#3 National Practice Manager for Microsoft, Scott Gosling – Clinging to the Windows 7 Ledge: Are You Ready to Make the Leap to Windows 10?
Tags: Malware, Microsoft, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Ransomware, Security