Windows 7 will no longer get driver updates from Windows Update

Microsoft no longer publishes driver updates for Windows 7 through Windows Update.

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By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade process
Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade process
  • Starting June 17, 2021, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 won’t get driver updates anymore.
  • Enterprises with value licensing will continue to get support through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.
  • The company is doing this because it no longer uses SHA-1 Trusted Root Certificate Authority, which expired on May 9.

Devices running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 will no longer receive driver updates via Windows Update starting June 17, 2021. According to BleepingComputer (via Window Central), Microsoft has officially stopped supporting driver download through its Windows Update service.

On a Tech Community post, the company says that it’s doing this after the SHA-1 Trusted Root Certificate Authority expired on May 9, 2021. Since the company is no longer using the certificate, “partners utilizing the Microsoft Trusted Root Program could publish incompatible SHA-2 signed drivers to unpatched” versions of Windows, and this could cause degraded functionality or prevent computers from booting.

As a result, to prevent compatibility issues, Microsoft is stopping the “publishing of SHA-2 signed drivers to Windows Update that target Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 devices on June 17, 2021.”

While consumers with Windows 7 devices will no longer get driver updates, the company points out that updates will continue to be available for enterprise customers with Volume Licensing agreements in an Extended Security Update (ESU) program to ensure optimal driver reliability.

Windows 7 has reached the end of service on January 14, 2020. If you are still using this version of the OS, it’s recommended to upgrade to the most recent version of Windows 10 to continue getting support.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].