Microsoft, Operating Systems

Year 2 ESU (Extended Security Updates) For Windows 7/Server 2008/2008 R2

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Introduction

Announced by Microsoft back in March 12, on January 14, 2020, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 has gone out of support. One must install Year 2 ESU MAK Key to continue to receive security updates for your Windows 7/Windows Server 2008/2008 R2.

If you have not yet updated to a modern operating system and still want security patches, you will need to sign up for these through the Extended Security Updates (ESUs) program. This blog will not provide you the ESU MAK Key.

In this blog post, I cover the prerequisite and how to deploy and activate Year 2 ESU license for your Windows 7/Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 on both internet connected computers and air-gaped computers. Note, the assumption is you already obtained and purchased the Year 2 ESU MAK Key. Important note, if you haven’t purchased Year 1 ESU, you must do so before being able to purchase Year 2 ESU.

Prerequisite For Deploying ESU

Prerequisite for Year 2 ESU is similar to Year 1 ESU which can be found here. As long as your clients are kept up to date with security patches you will should not have any issues installing Year 2 ESU.

The Windows 7 ESU Activation ID

The Activation IDs are provided by Microsoft and can be here. For Year 2 ESU we will be using the following Activation ID in red below depending on your clients.

How To Install And Activate The Windows 7 Extended Security Update Year 2 MAK Key On Internet Connected Computers

After you have purchased Year 2 ESUs, you will receive a MAK key. This MAK is unique to your organization, but not unique for each devices, which means you will use the same MAK key to activate all of your devices. Please note that the Year 2 ESU MAK Key can be installed with the existing Year 1 ESU MAK key. You do not need to remove Year 1 ESU MAK key. Execute the following commands in a Elevated Command Prompt:

cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <MAK Key>
cscript slmgr.vbs /dlv *Note, take note of the Activation ID which should also be listed in the above chart.
cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato <Activation ID>
slmgr.vbs /dli hit enter (You should now see ESU status is Licensed)

(Note, image is from Year 1 ESU)

How To Install And Activate The Windows 7 Extended Security Update Year 2 MAK Key On Air-Gapped Computers

Execute the following commands in a Elevated Command Prompt:

slmgr.vbs /ipk <MAK Key>
cscript slmgr.vbs /dlv *Note, take note of the Activation and Installation ID (Do not close this command prompt window)
Call MS: 1-888-725-1047 and provide the Installation ID. MS will provide you with the Confirmation ID: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, write it down
slmgr.vbs /atp <ConfirmationID> space <ActivationID>
slmgr.vbs /dli hit enter (You should now see ESU status is Licensed)

(Note, image is from Year 1 ESU)

Conclusion

It is important to ensure your organization has a strategy in place for Windows 7 and Server 2008/2008 R2 upgrade. In the meantime its highly recommended you obtain a ESU license to ensure your operating system is kept protected. Is your organization purchasing ESUs license? How are you handling the Windows 7/Server 2008 and or Server 2008 R2 end of support? Please leave a comment below!

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