Microsoft has ended its support for firmware and driver updates for the Surface Laptop 2, which was released alongside the Surface Pro 6 on October 2nd, 2018.
After four years, the Surface Laptop 2 reached its End of Servicing Date on December 27th, 2022. Despite this, the device will continue to receive regular OS updates, including security fixes and feature drops. Originally shipped with Windows 10, the laptop was upgraded to Windows 11 this year. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 8th gen processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, the base model of the laptop remains relevant.
The lack of updated firmware and drivers may lead to compatibility issues with third-party apps and games that require newer drivers. The last version of the drivers and firmware can be found on Microsoft’s website.
Microsoft’s Surface Device Software Support Needs Improvement
In contrast to the Surface Laptop 2, the Surface Pro 6 will continue to receive firmware updates until June 30, 2023, extending its total support period to 4 and a half years. This falls short of impressiveness.
Microsoft’s strategy appeared to change slightly with the Surface Pro X in 2019, which was promised 5 years of support. However, this shift did not last, returning to the standard 4-year support term the following year. Even the latest devices like the Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Studio 2+ are slated to receive only 4 years of firmware updates.
The discontinuation of support for these relatively expensive devices ($999 and above) within just 4 years of release seems unreasonable. In comparison, many OEMs support their laptops for longer durations, often at more affordable price points than the Surface lineup. The additional accessories that come at an added cost may or may not be compatible with other laptops. This approach could be seen as a way to encourage users to upgrade to newer Microsoft Surface devices.
Previously, Microsoft provided software support for its devices for 5 years or longer, such as the 5th gen Surface Pro (2019) slated for support until January 2024. For a device like the Surface Book 2, its anticipated end of support date is May 2023.
Microsoft could benefit from emulating Apple’s approach to software support for Macs, which includes firmware updates in macOS and supports devices for an average of 6 to 7 years. Given the similar costs of Surface devices, the early end of support raises questions.
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