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Experts have found that Microsoft is going to extend the period of paid support for Windows 7 for another three years

Deskmodder experts have discovered that Microsoft is going to extend paid support for Windows 7 for another three years.

They found in the July security updates KB5015861 and KB5015862 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 the necessary licenses and ESU keys to receive additional years (4, 5 and 6) security update releases until January 2026 after the end of the current three-year support cycle. This option will likely be available to all ESU licensed enterprise customers using Windows 7 SP1 Enterprise/Pro, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Embedded Standard 7, and Windows Embedded POS Ready 7. At the cost of support, if any, for additional years is not yet available.

Microsoft has not officially announced the renewal of paid support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Microsoft previously stated that it would provide paid support for Windows 7 to members of the Extended Security Updates program (ESU) until January 10, 2023. These are SMBs and companies that have additionally purchased Extended Security Updates and additional technical support from Microsoft through Volume Licensing programs. The cost of such support ranges from $25 to $200 per workstation per year, depending on the OS version - Enterprise or Pro.

After its launch in 2009, Windows 7 is still popular with millions of users. As of January 1, 2020, Windows 7 was installed on 400 million computers, and its share among all PCs was 25%. Now this figure has become 2.5 times less.

According to StatCounter measurements, 11.52% of desktop users are still running Windows 7, and their share continues to decline at a slower pace after the release of Windows 10 and Windows 11. And Windows 11's share is even lower so far at 10.96%.

On January 14, 2020, the extended support period for the Windows 7 operating system ended. Computers running it continue to work, but the operating system manufacturer does not guarantee their safety. Microsoft advises regular users to buy a new PC or laptop with a new version of Windows (10 or 11) instead of their legacy Windows 7 device.

Experts have found that Microsoft is going to extend the period of paid support for Windows 7 for another three years