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New Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) and paid support offering for Windows Embedded 7
Based on feedback from customers that they would prefer more time to test and deploy server solutions, Microsoft announced we are evolving our servicing approach to provide greater flexibility in Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC and Windows Embedded 7.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC release extended support
In April 2017, Microsoft aligned the timing of updates for Windows 10 SAC releases (including Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC) to create a predictable cadence twice per year, targeting September and March, and serviced for 18 months. We’ve since heard feedback from some customers that they would prefer more flexibility in the Windows 10 update cycle.
Based on that feedback, Microsoft announced we are changing our approach to provide even greater flexibility at no incremental cost for customers who need more time to test and deploy Windows 10 feature updates. While this communication focuses on Windows 10 Enterprise and Education product versions, the changes announced also apply to SAC releases of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Specifically:
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All currently supported feature updates of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC releases (versions 1607, 1703, 1709 and 1803) will be supported for up to 30 months from their original release date.
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All future feature updates of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC releases with a targeted release month of September (starting with 1809) will be supported for up to 30 months from their release date.
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All future feature updates of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC releases with a targeted release month of March (starting with 1903) will continue to be supported for up to 18 months from their release date.
There are no changes to the 10-year Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) support policy for LTSC releases of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.
Windows Embedded 7 Extended Security Updates
As noted within the blog, Microsoft will be offering an additional 3 years of paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) to customers through Volume Licensing. Microsoft will also provide Windows Embedded 7 ESU’s to OEMs with rights to redistribute the security updates for an additional 3 years beyond each product version’s currently published end of support date. Windows Embedded 7 ESU’s will not be made available to volume licensing customers. Pricing for each option will increase each year beyond the end of support date.
For details on the revised support policy lifecycle for Windows products, including IoT offerings, please see the Product Lifecycle page here.