Navigating the End of Windows 7 For Embedded Systems (FES)

Windows 7 was launched on October 22, 2009, and quickly gained popularity, surpassing its predecessor Windows Vista in market share.

Windows 7 For Embedded Systems (FES) remained available for 15 years, extending well beyond its original 10-year support timeframe. Although mainstream support ended in January 2020, some OEM customers have been slow to transition, which Microsoft anticipated by providing an additional five years to transition their products to a more modern operating system. 

In addition to the end of standard support in January 2020, the optional Extended Security Updates (ESU) also ceased in January 2023. Consequently, there have been no security patches or updates for the last year and a half, which might not be a major concern for some embedded systems, especially those not connected to the internet or heavily locked down. These customers have continued using Windows 7 FES for their solutions.

However, the time has come to move on. As of September 30th, 2024, Windows 7 FES COA sticker licenses will no longer be available.

No Last-Time Buys

Microsoft does not permit “Last-Time Buys” for embedded products. From September 30, 2024, purchasing and reselling a Microsoft-embedded product that has reached the end of life (EOL) is prohibited.

Here are the key points to remember:

• No “Last-Time Buy” Option: Microsoft strictly enforces a “no last-time buy” policy for embedded products reaching EOL, signifying that after September 30, 2024, you will no longer be able to acquire or resell Windows 7 FES licenses.
• Inventory Implications: Any unsold inventory of devices containing Windows 7 FES will become unsellable after the EOL date. Even with COA licenses, these devices cannot be legally distributed with Windows 7 pre-installed. OEM customers are advised to sell and ship their Windows 7 FES units with the Win 7 COA license before the EOL date on September 30, 2024.
• Security Risks: Continuing to use Windows 7 FES beyond EOL exposes your devices and potentially connected systems to unaddressed security vulnerabilities, leading to increased susceptibility to malware attacks, data breaches, and system instability.
• Compliance Concerns: Regulatory compliance requirements in specific industries might mandate using supported operating systems. Using unsupported software could put your organization at risk of non-compliance.

Available Options to Continue Shipping Devices with Windows 7 FES

If you are an OEM with an appliance running on Windows 7 FES, and you do not require security updates or technical support but still wish to continue selling your device with Windows 7 installed beyond the EOL date, there is a solution!

Downgrade Rights

Microsoft Embedded and IoT products feature “Downgrade Rights,” detailed in the Microsoft Program Execution Guide under Schedule 10. To qualify for these rights, you must meet specific criteria:

• The solution must be an existing one that you have previously sold (not for new solutions).
• You must pre-install the downgrade image on the device.
• You must distribute the downgrade system directly to your customer.
• For Client products, Downgrade Rights are only available once the product has reached end of life.
• You must purchase the most current high-end version of the product.
• You must apply the COA license for the most current high-end version to the device.

For Windows 7 For Embedded Systems, this means the OEM would need to purchase the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 high-end license and apply that COA license to the device. Afterward, the OEM can continue loading their existing Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate for embedded systems image onto the device. This approach allows the customer to upgrade to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 or remain on Windows 7 for the device’s lifespan as needed.

How to Handle Windows 7 Product Key Activation?

The older Windows 7 product requires a valid Windows 7 product key for activation. The Windows 11 product key will not work, so it falls on the OEM to obtain a legitimate Windows 7 product key. It’s important to note that the product key enables functionality but is not the license itself. OEMs can use previously used Windows 7 keys to activate newer systems. Arrow can help locate additional Windows 7 product keys as required.

Part Numbers and Important Dates

Replacement Part Number and Downgrade Right Option

Summary

In summary, Windows 7 for embedded systems has had a robust 15-year lifespan. You can ship systems with Windows 7 FES if it’s an existing solution, utilizing downgrade rights after the product reaches EOL on September 30, 2024. However, transitioning to a more contemporary operating system like Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is necessary for new designs or solutions. These newer versions come with 10 years of support.

For any assistance or questions on Microsoft IoT or Embedded products, please get in touch with us here at Arrow via WindowsIoT@arrow.com.