Microsoft extends Windows 7 security updates for the government to support the US election
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Microsoft was originally scheduled to stop service Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. However, seeing the market share of Windows 7 and its involvement in government systems, Microsoft has decided to provide security updates to Windows 7 until the US elections.
In a blog post (via Windows Central) published earlier today, Microsoft talked about the significance of Windows 7 and the fact that the OS is still used in voting machines.
We also know that transitioning to machines running newer operating systems in time for the 2020 election may not be possible for a number of reasons, including the lengthy voting machine certification process – a process we are working with government officials to update and make more agile.
– Microsoft
Not only that, but Microsoft also noted that the company will be providing free security updates to other democratic nations under its “Defending Democracy Program.” Apart from that, Microsoft will also be providing assistance to the election systems that rely on Azure services.
We are also announcing today that, as part of the Defending Democracy Program, we are proactively identifying and engaging election authorities that are Microsoft Azure customers to provide guidance and technical assistance in using the most advanced security features in Azure.
– Microsoft
Windows 7 will reach end-of-support on January 14, 2020. Post this, users will not get security updates from Microsoft and the company is urging users to upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as possible.
