Microsoft to release a free Windows 7 update

Microsoft will provide a free Windows 7 software patch to solve a problem in the KB4534310 update it issued on January 14, 2020, the day it ended non-premium support for the operating system. The fix will be available to Windows 7 users, including those that haven’t signed up for paid extended security updates (ESU).

The bug may cause a wallpaper to appear black in the “Stretch” configuration. It doesn’t seem to have OS security implications, though, as it only affects desktop personalization.

The software giant has every reason to want to deliver a solution very soon, considering that some Windows 7 users are actually paying for such updates. The German government will be paying about €800,000 for ESUs this year alone. Likewise, many organizations and governments around the world are still counting on premium ESUs to keep their Windows 7 PCs secure.

While a fix isn’t available yet, Microsoft has said it will provide it in an upcoming release.

We are 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.

It appears that setting the desktop wallpaper to options other than “Stretch” doesn’t cause any problems. So, before an update becomes available, Windows 7 users may have to make do with the fit, fill, tile, and center wallpaper settings.

The issue is also affecting custom wallpapers that don’t match the PC’s screen resolution.

Windows updates not always perfect

Windows updates, including security patches, don’t always work out as expected. For example, errors in the recently released Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB4528760 included the failure to install.

Since Microsoft has already turned its back on free Windows 7 support, it’s highly unlikely there will be another free update for the OS after the upcoming KB4534310 fix.

In the meantime, Windows 7 users not receiving ESUs can only turn to the latest antivirus solutions to secure their PCs. Although Microsoft is advising users to move to Windows 10, there are still millions of unsecured Windows 7 computers around the globe.