"Microsoft announced that Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will also be made available for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) to allow them to stay secure during the Windows 10 migration process.
This offer comes as a response to the different paces used by businesses to deploy the latest Windows 10 releases in their environments and their need to keep their systems secure until the process is over until Windows 7 hits its end of support.
"With that in mind, today we are announcing that, through January 2023, we will extend the availability of paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) to businesses of all sizes," said Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365."
"Previously only available in volume licensing
SMBs will be able to purchase the ESUs on a per-device basis for the next three years, with the price to increase every year, in three consecutive 12-month increments.
For information on Windows 7 ESU pricing, customers are advised by Microsoft to reach out to their "Account Team CE for pricing and ordering information tailored to specific customer scenarios."
The Windows 7 ESUs were previously only available to large businesses and education customers that had Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise volume licensing agreements.
"Extended Security Updates (ESU) includes security updates for critical and important issues as defined by Microsoft Security Response Center(MSRC) for a maximum of three years after January 14, 2020," says Microsoft, following the end of support for Windows 7.
"Starting on December 1, 2019, businesses of any size can purchase ESU through the cloud solution provider (CSP) program," added Spataro. "This means that customers can work with their partners to get the security they need while they make their way to Windows 10."
