In a significant move, Microsoft extends support for Surface Devices, offering an additional two years of driver and firmware updates. While this decision has garnered attention, there are certain stipulations that users should be aware of.
The Catch
Microsoft’s latest announcement comes with a catch: this extended support will only apply to devices sold within the past three years or so. The company has responded to customer requests by providing 24 more months of fixes and patches for both firmware and device drivers related to Surface machines.
Two Groups
The revised documentation categorizes recent Surface products into two distinct groups. For devices shipped before January 1, 2021, updated drivers and firmware will be available for “at least” four years after the device’s initial release. On the other hand, devices shipped “on and after” January 1, 2021, will now receive official patches for a period of six years.
Windows Support
Microsoft clarifies that Surface support timelines may not necessarily align with Windows support. Surface devices will receive updated drivers and firmware images for Windows OS versions released within the prior 30 months. Even after device support ends, Microsoft will continue to release new features and security updates for the most recent and still-supported Windows versions.
New “End of Servicing” Dates
To provide clarity to Surface device users, Microsoft has furnished a table detailing the new “end of servicing” dates for current Surface devices. The timeline ranges from the Surface Pro 5th gen (ending on January 15, 2024) to the recently released Surface Laptop Studio 2 (ending on October 3, 2029). Legacy products, which have already surpassed their official support period, include x86 and non-x86 devices released from October 26, 2012 (Surface RT) to November 20, 2018 (Surface Go with LTE Advanced).
Possible Motives Behind: Microsoft Extends Support for Surface Devices
While Microsoft attributes the extension of its official support period to customer requests, there are speculations about alternative motives behind this move. Some suggest that the tech giant may be gearing up for a slower release schedule of newer Surface models, while others speculate that it could be demonstrating support for the growing right-to-repair movement by adopting more customer-friendly policies.
In recent months, Google also opted to extend its official support period for Chromebook devices to a full decade, addressing concerns about the limited lifespan of Chromebooks. This move reflects the industry trend of tech companies extending the lifespan of their hardware, which benefits consumers seeking longevity and value from their devices.
With Microsoft extends support for Surface devices, users can look forward to a more extended and reliable experience with their Windows-based laptops and convertible PCs.