Microsoft Extended Security Update (ESU) Program for Windows Embedded

The End of Support (EOS) date for Windows 7 Embedded and Windows Server 2008 was January 14, 2020. Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7) hit EOS on October 13, 2020. With EOS, feature and security updates end, leaving unsupported systems at risk.

Bsquare can help you with the Microsoft Extended Security Update (ESU) Program, which gives OEMs up to three years of additional support for Windows 7 for Embedded Systems and Windows Server 2008. The program will provide updates for Microsoft MSRC “important” and “critical” security issues.

Benefits of the ESU Program

Up to three years of support and security updates for Windows 7 Embedded and Windows Server 2008
Additional time to plan migration to a supported platform
Maintain regulatory and industry compliance

Components of the ESU Program

The ESU consists of three components:

ESU Licensing Update – Expands the key range of the original product key so that the ESU Key can be installed on a device
ESU Key – A preactivated key that allows a device to receive ESU Security Updates
ESU Servicing Stack Update (SSU) – A special update that enables a device to receive ESU Security Updates

After these components are installed, monthly ESU Security Updates can be applied to devices.

We Can Help

Bsquare can:

Provide in-depth information on the ESU Program
Walk you through the enrollment process
Offer technical guidance and utilities to streamline the installation processes required for the ESU Program

Key ESU Dates

Item	MSFT Part #	Available
ESU Agreements	N/A	October 10, 2019
ESU purchasable SKUs and ESU Keys	N/A	November 1, 2019
Licensing Update	N/A	October 15, 2019
ESU Servicing Stack Update (SSU)	N/A	December 10, 2019
EOS for Windows 7 Embedded, ESU Program begins	42C-00039 42C-00186 42C-00110 44C-00039	January 14, 2020
EOS for Windows Server 2008, ESU Program begins	6FA-00030 6FA-00012 6FA-00032 6FA-00008	January 14, 2020
ESU Program begins for SQL Server 2008	A5N-00069 C30-00315	January 14, 2020
EOS for Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7), ESU Program begins	7WT-00049 7WT-00050	October 13, 2020
EOS for Windows POSReady 7, ESU Program begins	S5C-00065	October 12, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions	Answers
What is the difference between EOS and EOL?	EOS (End of Support) means Microsoft will no longer release regular feature or security updates for the product. EOL (End of Life) means an OEM may no longer purchase or ship devices with this product.
What happens to the operating system and devices in market if I do not buy ESU?	Windows will continue to function. Devices will continue functioning but will be subject to new security risks since Microsoft security updates will not be available to protect the devices.
What are the ESU Program requirements?	OEMs must have the following agreements: Microsoft Business & Services Agreement (MBSA), Customer Licensing Agreement (CLA), Ecosystem Partner Services Offering (EPSO) Service Terms (ST), EPSO Fee Schedule (FS), EPSO-ESU Service Terms Schedule. Bsquare will help facilitate the agreement process in conjunction with Microsoft.
What is included in the ESU Program?	Microsoft MSRC “Important” and “critical” security updates and bulletins along with support to resolve issues related to ESU deployment and updates.
How do I purchase or sign up for ESU Program?	Contact Bsquare
How are updates deployed?	After the three ESU components are installed on the device, the monthly ESU Security Updates can be installed with your current update process.
How long is the ESU valid?	The ESU Keys are valid for one year and ESU Program runs for three years post EOS date.
My customer devices are not connected to the Internet. How can I activate the keys?	The ESU activation keys do not require a connection to the internet.
Will a new key need to be installed on every device?	Yes, this is a requirement of the program to support ESU updates.
What is an EPSO and is it required?	The Ecosystem Partner Service Offering (EPSO) is a support agreement with Microsoft that can be applied to updates with this program or other support needs. An EPSO is required to participate into the program.