As we march closer to a Surface Pro 10, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 reaches end of support
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 has received its final driver or firmware update.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 has reached the end of its driver andfirmware lifecycle period. As of today, the PC will not receive any firmware or driver updates from Microsoft. The 2-in-1 will, however, continue to receive Windows OS feature updates and security updates in line with theMicrosoft Lifecycle Policy.
The Surface Pro 7 first shipped in October 2019, and it has received several firmware updates since its launch. Since the device will continue to receiver security and OS feature updates for a while, it’s safe to keep using your Surface Pro 7. You’ll also be able to take advantage of new features in updates such as theWindows 11 ‘Moment 5’ updateset to ship later this year.
When the Surface Pro 7 launched, it was a lovely PC that retained its crown as thebest Windows tablet. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the PC “the king of the 2-in-1s” and praised the PC’s performance, battery life, and form factor in ourSurface Pro 7 review.
But as is the case with any form of technology, the Surface Pro 7 has been surpassed in terms of design as it’s aged. Microsoft revised its Surface Pro lineup with the Surface Pro 8, refreshing its design and making the PC “effectively flawless,” according to ourSurface Pro 8 review. Microsoft largely stuck with that design with theSurface Pro 9, giving us all a reason to look forward to see what’s new in the Surface Pro 10.
When is the Surface Pro 10 coming out?
Microsoft releases new Surface hardware each year, and the Surface Pro lineup is due for a refresh. According to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, theSurface Pro 10 will be “the company’s first true next-gen AI PC"and be available with either Intel or ARM processors. While there have been Surface PCs with NPUs inside before, the Surface Pro 10 should take artificial intelligence to the next level when it comes to AI computing.
Intel is pushing AI computing with itslatest processors, and we expect to see that continue with the Intel processor that powers the Surface Pro 10. It’s not known at this time, however, which type of processor will be inside the upcoming 2-in-1.
Qualcomm plans to release its Snapdragon X Elite processor this year, which also focuses heavily on AI. Based on Qualcomm’s own statements and leaked benchmarks, theSnapdragon X Elitewill go toe-to-toe with Apple’s latest M-Series processors.
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The overall design of the Surface Pro 10 is expected to be similar to that of the Surface Pro 9, making the internal upgrades and the emphasis on AI more important to the device differentiating itself. The Surface Pro 10 should, however, have a better display than its predecessor, thanks to an anti-reflective coating and rounded display corners. Added HDR support and the continuation of the lineup having a 120Hz display should result in an impressive screen.
Microsoft is expected toannounce new Surface hardwarein March and then ship new Surface PCs in April and June.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
