However, there are likely many cases where it may not be easy for organizations to update their systems to supported versions of Windows, due to budget issues and the use of older hardware.

Security experts urge organizations not to ignore Microsoft’s notifications and take steps to prevent the exposure of their business to a significant amount of risk. Other customers can purchase ESUs for Windows Server 2012 for up to three years, to get security updates until October 13, 2026. After this date, these operating systems will no longer receive security and non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.Ĭustomers that migrate applications and databases to Azure virtual machines will receive Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for free for three years after October 10.

Windows Server 2012 and Server 2012 R2 will reach end of support on October 10, 2023. Microsoft also announced that Edge 109, scheduled for release on January 12, is the last version to support Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2008 R2, Server 2012 and Server 2012 R2. “Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after Janumay increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations,” the tech giant warns. In addition, Microsoft will not be offering an ESU program for Windows 8.1.

Computers running this version of Windows will continue to function, but will no longer receive technical support, software updates and, importantly, security updates or patches. Windows 8.1 support ends on the same day. However, ESUs will no longer be available for purchase after January 10, 2023. Windows 7 reached end of life (EoL) on January 14, 2020, but Microsoft gave customers the option to continue receiving important security updates through its ESU program. Today, on January 10, 2023, Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) and Windows 8.1 have reached their end of support dates.

Windows 7 release date