Creating backups is highly recommended.ĭevices or users that participate in the Extended Security Updates program need to install an update that verifies eligibility to receive updates after January 14, 2020. This, and other parameters, may change before the program starts officially in January 2020. Note: Microsoft released a test update that administrators may attempt to download and install to verify that the device is eligible for Extended Security Updates. Home users may get some security patches created by third-party company 0Patch, but support will be limited and not as extensive - likely - as what Microsoft pushes out via the Extended Security Updates program.
Microsoft won't offer the Extended Security Updates program to Home users even though some would pay Microsoft to extend support for Windows 7. The support program is available already and there are prerequisites that need to be met. Small businesses pay Microsoft up to $200 per device and year for extended support, Enterprises up to $200 per user and year. Small businesses and Enterprises may extend support by up to three years for a price. Support for Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system ends after the January 2020 Patch Tuesday.
