Microsoft to release update for Windows 7 despite ending support earlier this month

Despite dropping support for Windows 7 two weeks ago, Microsoft will release an update for the operating system.

The update comes as a response to a bug affecting desktop wallpapers that was introduced with the last security update (KB4534310). This security update, issued on January 14, caused an issue when a wallpaper was set to the “Stretch” option. When stretched, wallpapers would display as black.

Microsoft has stated that it is “working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release, which will be released to all customers running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.” There is no set release date for the update at press time.

While the necessity of this update is a bit embarrassing considering Microsoft killed support for Windows 7 earlier this month, it’s not unprecedented for the company to release new updates for dead operating systems. In May 2019, Microsoft released a patch for Windows XP to fix a remote code execution hole. That patch came five years after Windows XP received its last official update.

It should also be noted that the wallpaper fix for Windows 7 was originally planned as an exclusive update for those that paid for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program. In the past, Microsoft has continued supporting older versions of Windows for customers that paid an additional fee for the privilege. It seems Microsoft changed its mind about this update and is planning on releasing it to all users. That’s a good move considering the update will correct a bug that Microsoft introduced themselves.

Are you still using Windows 7? Have you noticed this bug? Let us know in the comments.