Microsoft Quietly Updates the Surface Support Lifecycle

Microsoft now commits to delivering six years of firmware and driver updates to any Surface PC that first shipped in January 2021 or later. Previously, Microsoft would provide only four years of firmware and driver updates.

“In response to requests from customers for more detailed lifecycle information to help plan and manage hardware and software deployments, Surface is offering additional guidance on our driver and firmware updates,” the Surface devices driver and firmware lifecycle page on Microsoft Learn explains. “The lifecycle begins when a device is first released and concludes when Surface ceases publication of driver and firmware updates on the End of Servicing date.”

Surface PCs released before January 1, 2021 will receive driver and firmware updates for at least four years after they were first released. For those PCs that are supported for longer than four years, an updated end-of-servicing date will be published before the date of the last servicing to alert customers to the change.

Surface PCs released on or after January 1, 2021 will receive driver and firmware updates for at least six years from when the device was first released. Again, those that are supported for longer than that will get an updated end-of-servicing date before the date of the last servicing.

Microsoft adds that Surface PCs will continue to receive Windows OS feature and security updates after their end-of-serving date is reached, though this is rather vague: Microsoft can arbitrarily stop supporting specific PCs, or specific chipsets, at any time.

Thanks to Zac Bowden at Windows Central for discovering this change.