Microsoft will now offer Surface laptops released after January 1, 2021, six years of driver and firmware updates as part of a new effort to extend the life of the device.
Firmware updates, such as Windows Central points this out in their reporting, “are designed to make the device work better,” from general “performance improvements” to few features. What’s interesting is that this expansion appears to have been implemented in early October, according to the date on the official support page. This coincides with the launch of the Surface Laptop Go 3, but until recently no one was aware of these changes.
The page lists in the right column each individual model that will receive extended support once the maintenance date ends. This includes, but is not limited to, the Surface Pro 8, the Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3; all of which will receive their final patch on October 5, 2027.
A few exceptions
Moreover, no changes are made in the OS updates. Surface laptops “will continue to receive Windows OS feature and security patches per the company’s lifecycle policy. The Surface Duo 2 tablet, on the other hand, remains the same. Are latest update is still scheduled for October 21 next year.
Most Surface models released before January 1, 2021 will remain with the old four-year plan, although there are some exceptions. A handful will receive the extended support, but it won’t be for the full six years; rather it is five and a half years. For example, the Surface Laptop 3, released in October 2019, has an end-of-life date set for July 2024.
We wondered if Microsoft took inspiration from Google when it decided to expand its patch rollout. In September, Google announced that it would provide Chromebooks with extended software support. They’re both very similar plans, although Microsoft’s pledge isn’t as generous as Google’s 10-year pledge. Still, it’s good to see tech companies extending the lifespan of their hardware.
If you’re in the market for a new computer, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Windows laptops for 2023.