Microsoft Extended Support 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) will get to 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 Support 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.

Contact us to find out if the ESU Program is right for you.

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

Contact us for additional information.

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.