Product overview

The ESU program provides updates for Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) “important” and “critical” security issues.

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.

Benefits of the ESU Program

Don't leave unsupported systems at risk.

Security updates

Up to three years of additional support and security updates for eligible embedded operating systems, including Standard 7, POS Ready 7, 8 Standard, and 8.1 industry.

Extended lifecycle

Extend the lifecycle of your Windows installation with additional time to plan migration to a supported platform.

Compliance requirements

Maintain regulatory and industry compliance by ensuring you're using software that is supported and secure.

We can help

Let the experts at Kontron:

  • 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
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Components of the ESU Program

The ESU consists of 3 components, listed below. After these components are installed, monthly ESU Security Updates can be applied to devices.

ESU Licensing Update

Expand the key range of the original product key so that the ESU Key can be installed on a device.

ESU Key

A pre-activated key that allows a device to receive ESU Security Updates.

ESU Servicing Stack Update

The Servicing Stack Update (SSU) is a special update that enables a device to receive ESU Security Updates

Key ESU Dates

Item MSFT Part #  Begins Ends
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
Windows 7 for Embedded Systems, ESU Program 42C-00039
42C-00186
42C-00110
44C-00039		 January 15, 2020 January 10, 2023
Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems, ESU Program 6FA-00030
6FA-00012
6FA-00032
6FA-00008		 January 15, 2020 January 10, 2023
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 / 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems, ESU Program A5N-00069
C30-00315		 January 15, 2020 January 10, 2023
Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7), ESU Program 7WT-00049
7WT-00050		 October 14, 2020 October 10, 2023
Windows Embedded POSReady 7, ESU Program S5C-00065 October 13, 2021 October 8, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Kontron 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 Kontron.

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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.