Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement: What You Need to Know
Microsoft officially ended Windows 7 support on January 14, 2020. However, for organizations that rely on this operating system, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program provides security updates for Windows 7 beyond the end-of-support date, but it requires an Enterprise Agreement. In this article, we will discuss what the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement is and how it works.
What is the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement?
The Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement is a contract between Microsoft and an organization that needs to extend Windows 7 support. The agreement allows the organization to purchase Extended Security Updates for Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise devices. The agreement offers flexible payment options, including a prepaid plan or annual subscription.
How does the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement work?
To purchase the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement, an organization must have an active Software Assurance (SA) or Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) subscription. SA provides upgrade rights for Windows and other Microsoft products, while VDA allows organizations to use virtual machines to access Windows desktops remotely.
Once an organization has an active SA or VDA subscription, it can purchase the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement. The organization then receives a key to activate the ESU for each Windows 7 device. The ESU provides critical and important security updates for up to three years after the end-of-support date.
What are the benefits of the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement?
The Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement provides several benefits for organizations that need to extend Windows 7 support. These benefits include:
1. Security updates: The ESU program provides critical and important security updates for Windows 7 devices, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
2. Extended support: With the ESU program, organizations can continue using Windows 7 for up to three years after the end-of-support date.
3. Seamless transition: The ESU program allows organizations to continue using Windows 7 while they prepare to transition to a newer operating system.
4. Cost-effective: The ESU program provides flexible payment options, allowing organizations to purchase only the support they need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement provides organizations with a way to extend Windows 7 support beyond the end-of-support date. The agreement offers flexible payment options and critical security updates for up to three years. If your organization needs to continue using Windows 7, the Windows 7 ESU Enterprise Agreement is a cost-effective option to ensure your devices remain secure.
