Microsoft engineer clarifies that Extended Security Updates will extend to 2023 for MSE on Windows 7

We reported earlier this month that Windows 7 users will begin seeing notifications warning that Windows 7 is no longer supported. These notifications state that, after January 14, 2020, Windows 7 will no longer receive software or security updates. That said, we also reported that those with Extended Security Updates (ESU) will not receive these notifications, as they will continue to receive updates to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). ESU is a paid service intended for enterprise customers, though a software bypass tool has been created that enables ESU for free.

However, there was some question as to whether ESU actually would provide continued security updates, as the FAQ for ESU seemed to contradict this idea. It stated, "No, your Windows 7 computer is not protected by MSE after January 14, 2020. MSE is unique to Windows 7 and follows the same lifecycle dates for support."

Woody Leonhard from Computerworld asked for for clarification on this issue in a recent AMA. Fortunately, Mike Cure, a Microsoft engineer answered:

MSE will continue to receive signature updates after Jan. 14.

The FAQ has since been updated to clear up the confusion. Those with ESU will continue to receive signature updates to MSE until 2023.

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