FAQ about Extended Security Updates for Windows 7

This article is intended for use by IT professionals. If you're looking for information for home users, see Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020.

General information

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What do Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) include?

Which editions of Windows 7 are eligible for ESU?

When will the ESU offer be available?

ESU purchasing

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Is there a deadline for organizations to purchase ESU for Windows 7?

How does the ESU purchasing transaction work for CSP Partners?

When can EDU customers purchase Windows 7 ESU?

Who should I contact for more information about pricing and ordering for Windows 7 ESU?

What will the SKU be called in CSP?

Does Windows 7 ESU renew automatically for year two?

Is there a minimum purchase requirement for Windows 7 ESU?

Is Software Assurance (SA) required to take advantage of ESU?

Are there any plans to release a separate Windows 7 ESU SKU for CSP customers who have active Software Assurance?

Will ESU be available through Unified Support?

Will ESU be available through MPSA?

ESU coverage

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Does this offer also apply to Windows XP, Windows Vista, or earlier versions?

Will the Windows 7 ESU include updates for .NET Framework? If so, which version?

What about Windows 7 Embedded products? Do they qualify?

Can Windows 7 Pro OEM customers purchase Windows 7 ESU?

Windows 7 VMs hosted in Azure receive free ESU. How are updates delivered to these VMs?

Will Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) continue to protect my computer after the end of support?

Are System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) Virus Definition updates for Windows 7 covered by ESU?

Is technical support included?

Can customers get technical support on-premises for Windows 7 after the end-of-support date if they do not purchase ESU?

Can an organization that purchases ESU use its Unified or Premier Support agreements to submit support incidents?

Can customers use their Premier/Unified contracts to contact support if they have purchased ESU from a CSP Partner?

Can partners submit support incidents on behalf of their customers?

How are ESU customers entitled for support? Can they submit tickets online using support.microsoft.com or Services Hub?

How do partners obtain support? Can they use Service Hub to submit tickets online?

How do tech routers know who has purchased ESU?

What type of response should customers expect if they encounter an issue that requires a new feature?

After customers purchase ESU, will Microsoft help troubleshoot issues that are not related to an extended security update?

What type of response should customers expect when they request support for a product that is covered by ESU?

Can Windows 7 ESU be used with Windows 7 Ultimate?

Is Internet Explorer 11 covered under Windows 7 ESU?

When will security patches be delivered for customers who have purchased Windows 7 ESU?

ESU deployment

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How will Microsoft deliver ESU for organizations that purchase through volume licensing (VL)?

How can organizations install and activate the Windows 7 ESU MAK Key?

Will organizations have to have a new MAK key for each of the three years that ESU is available?

If an organization has to reinstall Windows 7, how will the additional activation of ESU be managed?

What delivery options are available for Extended Security Updates?

How can a customer find out how many activations are left on their ESU MAK key?

Can VAMT be run on a virtual client?

If VAMT is run on a virtual client for Windows 7 ESU deployment, does the VAMT host VM need to remain running after activating all the Windows 7 clients, or can it be decommissioned?

Will the number of activations that are available by using an ESU MAK key be limited?

Can customers activate Windows 7 ESU via telephone?