Windows Operating System Lifecycles in 2023
Before Windows security updates end, we recommend you get ahead.
By Alex Harris, IT Professional Services Lead
Ensuring your infrastructure is up-to-date is key. As we mentioned in our “Choosing The Right IT Partner” article, it really is incredibly important to get ahead as your technology becomes obsolete. However, we appreciate that finding the time to update, or the functionality to do so when using third party software and applications, can be difficult…
The trouble is, Microsoft are ending support for Windows Server 2012 in October this year, and have already ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. You need to know this because after these dates, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
No longer receiving Microsoft patches or critical security updates means any devices running end-of-life operating systems are presenting a substantial threat to your business right now, and your network could be open to cyber-attacks and possible data breaches.
END OF LIFE DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Migrate to Microsoft Azure for free Extended Security Updates
You can migrate your infrastructure to Azure and receive free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for three years after the above-mentioned end of life date. This will save you having to conduct an upgrade of the operating system in scenarios where third-party software needs time to plan a migration.
PERFECT FOR
Those looking to remove physical infrastructure (move to a hosted model).
Upgrade to Windows Server 2022 or Purchase Extended Security Updates
You can remain on-premise by upgrading from, for example, Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2022, or by purchasing Extended Security Updates for Windows Server 2012 R2 for up to three years, yearly, until October 2026.
PERFECT FOR
Those wishing to extend the life of their existing equipment (and perhaps are needing to respond to these upcoming end of life cycles quickly).
What are Extended Security Updates?
Extended Security Updates include the availability of Security Updates rated critical for operating systems that have reached the end of their mainstream support lifecycle. Purchasing the ESU should not be conducted with the mindset of not replacing the operating system, it should be used to provide extended time while the new operating is procured and implemented.
The adoption of an Extended Security Update is for an extension of operation while planning the migration to an in-life operating system. Microsoft will support you to deploy critical security updates, log tickets and work to troubleshoot an issue. However, Microsoft will not conduct a root cause analysis of an issue nor will they file a bug or design request if one is found.
