Introduction

Windows 7 support ended on January 14, 2020 and computers running Windows 7 will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft. Microsoft strongly recommends that users move to the supported Windows 10 version.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Acronis Cyber Protect 15 and Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud support Windows 7, provided that the necessary security updates are installed.

Solution

Please install the following security updates on your Windows 7 system. They are required for the proper functioning of Acronis products' security components. 

• KB4490628 : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/servicing-stack-update-for-windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-march-12-2019-b4dc0cff-d4f2-a408-0cb1-cb8e918feeba
• KB4474419 : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/sha-2-code-signing-support-update-for-windows-server-2008-r2-windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-september-23-2019-84a8aad5-d8d9-2d5c-6d78-34f9aa5f8339

Acronis Cyber Protect 15, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud and Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office(builds earlier than 39703)

• Windows 7 Extended Security Update (ESU). Points to note about ESU:
  1) ESU is not free. ESU is a paid service from Microsoft, not from Acronis.
  2) ESU is available only on Professional, Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 7. Windows 7 Embedded users with Ecosystem Partner Servicing Offering (EPSO) support contract can also buy and use ESU.
  Owners of Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium editions of Windows 7 cannot get ESU. Microsoft does not list Windows 7 Ultimate as qualifying for ESU. There have been unofficial reports, that ESU works on the Ultimate edition.
  3) ESU is available only through Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) and from Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs). A regular home user cannot purchase it from Microsoft online store.
  4) To learn more about ESU, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq. Please find the direct links to key sections of that document below:
  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq#when-will-the-esu-offer-be-available-
  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq#which-editions-of-windows-7-are-eligible-for-esu-
  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq#how-can-edu-customers-purchase-windows-7-esu-
  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq#what-are-the-coverage-dates-for-the-three-windows-7-esu-skus-
  5) Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office does not require ESU installation starting from Build 39703