As Windows 7 nears the end of its life on Jan. 14, most agencies have either completed the migration to Windows 10 or are almost there. But for those who need extra time or have devices that cannot be upgraded to Windows 10, there are several options available for securing Windows 7.
The simplest is to license an extended security update from Microsoft. Obtaining an ESU will keep Windows 7 supported and protected for those who can’t migrate in time or who don’t want to pay for Microsoft’s desktop virtualization service.
Microsoft warns, however, that security updates through this program will only be provided “if and when” available, and that the ESU does not include new features or nonsecurity updates.
Agencies opting for this route should keep their Windows 10 migration plans on track, though, because Microsoft will only offer ESUs until January 2023 — and that date may change.
MORE FROM FEDTECH: Visit the FedTech Windows 7 archive for additional tips and advice on the migration.
How to Get Support After Jan. 14
Agencies can license Windows 7 ESUs from Microsoft in two ways:
- Those using Windows 10 Enterprise E5, Microsoft 365 E5, or Microsoft 365 E5 Security licenses will get an extra year of Windows 7 ESUs and support for devices that have not yet migrated. They can also purchase Windows 7 support for additional years at half-price.
- Those who do not fit into any of the previous categories can purchase a three-year Windows 7 ESU from Microsoft at a per-device cost that can double in price each year. The increasing costs of support should be a good incentive for agencies to accelerate their Windows 10 migration plans.
Microsoft also announced in October that Windows 7 ESUs would be available to all organizations, whether or not they are in a volume licensing program. Organizations without volume licensing can buy Windows 7 ESUs through the Cloud Solution Provider program. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the general availability of Windows Virtual Desktop, a cloud-hosted virtual desktop solution based on Windows 10. Microsoft is also providing access to fully supported Windows 7 virtual desktops until 2023 to provide extra breathing space for those planning Windows 10 migrations.
But moving from a physical infrastructure to a cloud-hosted virtual desktop infrastructure requires planning and testing. Not all applications play nicely with nonpersistent virtual machines, which is usually the preferred method of assigning VMs to users because they are cheaper and easier to maintain.
Unless agencies opt for more expensive persistent VMs, applications must be tested for compatibility with the VMs. As part of the virtual desktop, Microsoft is providing enhanced versions of Office 365 ProPlus and OneDrive that are optimized to work efficiently with nonpersistent VMs and the Windows 10 multiuser SKU.
In addition to possible issues with application compatibility, agencies need to assess the costs of running Windows 7 in the cloud (Azure compute, network and storage are separate costs from the virtual desktop); the internet bandwidth required for accessing virtual desktops; the risks associated with storing data in the cloud; and the workforce skill set needed to manage a Windows virtual desktop.