What you need to know

• Microsoft has released firmware updates for the Surface series of 2-in-1s including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 6, and Surface Pro 5.
• The Surface Pro 6 will reach the end of its support services on June 30, 2023.
• The release includes driver updates and security patches but does not include any new features or enhancements.

Not all updates fly out with an array of life altering enhancements or improvements to quality of life on a system, and such is the case for the June 2023 array of updates that have just gone out across Microsoft's Surface Pro 2-in-1s. That doesn't make this batch of updates any less important, however, as there are multiple bug fixes and security patches included. Here's a once over of what you can expect in your update if you are a Surface Pro 8, 7 plus, 6, or 5 owner.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The June 2023 update for the Surface Pro 8 is small but mighty, including drivers that will fix graphical display issues as well as fixes for pen and touch stability. To receive the latest patch on your Surface Pro 8 you will need to be running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or a newer version of either OS. Here are all the new drivers included in this patch:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.1.01.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Surface - Ext - 15.25.129.0
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Extension
• Surface Touch Pen Processor - Extension

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 will continue to receive support until October 5, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus

Like the Surface Pro 8, the Pro 7 Plus will get an array of bug fixes to improve graphics stability and fix display issues along with a bonus patch to improve Wi-Fi stability.  You'll need to be certain that your PC is running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or newer versions before you install.  This patch is also available for the Surface Pro 7 plus LTE. The drivers in the patch for the Surface Pro 7 Plus include the following:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel - Bluetooth - 22.190.0.2
• Intel - Net - 22.190.0.4
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris XE Graphics - Extension
• Intel Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth
• Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHZ - Network adapters

Users of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 plus can expect support for the device to extend until January 15, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Generation 5

The Surface Pro 6 and 5th Generation Surface are among the oldest devices to still receive support from the Surface line up. Users of these two PCs can expect to see support start to wind down as it comes to an end for the Surface Pro 6 on June 30, 2023 and a few months later for the 5th Gen Surface on January 14, 2024. Both devices received patches that will resolve external display issues while also addressing potential security concerns.  The drivers included in this update for both devices are:

• Surface - Firmware - 239.645.768.0
• Surface - Extension - 6.13.137.0
• Surface UEFI - Firmware
• Surface Dock 2 - Firmware Update - Extension

You'll want to be sure that your Surface is running Windows 10 20H1 or newer before updating.

How to update

There are no special tricks to installing the updates regardless of which Surface Pro device you own. Simply head over to your Settings tab, find "Windows Update" under there, click "Check for Updates" and let Windows handle the rest. It is important to note that these are firmware updates, and while important they cannot be uninstalled after the fact. While none of the updates included in this list have presented any bugs or issues at this time you should make sure you've created a backup of all of your data prior to installation. 

Additional details, support documents, and requirements can be found on Microsoft's Support page.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ is no longer the latest and greatest convertible tablet in Microsoft's flagship lineup, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the most capable Windows PCs you can buy. For today only at Best Buy, you can secure an awesome Surface Pro 7+ bundle, with the essential Type Cover included, for nearly half off.

This Surface Pro 7+ bundle is for the Platinum colorway with a still-powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an expanded 256GB of SSD storage. You also get the standard Black Type Cover included, which is necessary if you want to use this tablet as a full-blown laptop and productivity beast. Best Buy has a very limited-time deal to secure the Surface Pro 7+ for only $649.99, giving you savings of $580 until the sale concludes at the end of today.

In our Surface Pro 7+ review, we concluded that Microsoft had made some small yet meaningful updates to the standard Surface Pro 7 that catered perfectly to businesses. Of course, this also makes it a fine productivity device for anyone looking for a portable, versatile Windows PC that can do it all. With a bright and crisp touch screen, an industry-leading kickstand, awesome optional pen support, and years of guaranteed software support on Windows 11, the Surface Pro 7+ was, and still is, one of the best Windows laptops.

This bundle does include the keyboard Type Cover, which is one of our favorite PC accessories in general, thanks to its svelte design that doesn't compromise your typing experience. However, the Surface Pen is not included. Fortunately, you can use some of your massive savings to pick up a Platinum Surface Pen for only $59.99, a limited-time deal that perfectly matches the Pro 7+ discount.

Need the latest and greatest? Microsoft's new-generation Surface Pro 8 is already here.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and the week has been packed with news on a wide range of topics for Microsoft fans, including Windows 10 build 21322, Razer's Kiyo Pro webcam, and Zac's look at Sun Valley. He and Daniel also discuss SSD replacement kits for Surface Pro 7+, and a rumor that Samsung will release a laptop with Exynos and AMD processors.

Daniel reviews the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboard, Bioware's cancelation of Anthem Next, process on Halo Infinite, and more.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on February 26th 2021.

Links:

• Razer announces its juggernaut Kiyo Pro full HD webcam packed with low-light tech | Windows Central
• Hands-on with Windows 10 build 21322 showcasing new features and changes | Windows Central
• Windows 10 Sun Valley: Everything we know so far | Windows Central
• Surface Pro 7+ gets SSD replacement kit, Microsoft hints at more to come | Windows Central
• Samsung reportedly set to launch a Windows 10 laptop with Exynos and AMD inside | Windows Central
• HyperX Alloy Origins 60 review: Red linear switches, RGB, and oh so compact | Windows Central
• RIP Anthem: Incredible potential that was never reached | Windows Central
• Anthem Next officially canceled, development efforts shifting to the next Dragon Age and Mass Effect | Windows Central
• Halo Infinite world design details shown off in new update | Windows Central

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• Listen via Spotify
• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
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• Subscribe via RSS
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• Watch the live stream video archive

Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
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We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week Dan serves up his full review of Surface Pro 7+ for Business, and Surface Duo is headed to more markets in the next week. The guys also check out a new Dev Channel build, investigate a patent for interchangeable backs on Surface Laptop, Oculus Quest 2, and more.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on February 12th 2021.

Links:

• Surface Pro 7+ for Business review: LTE and Intel 11th Gen make a huge difference, even if the rest is boring | Windows Central
• The Surface Duo's international release date is set for February 18th | Windows Central
• Windows 10 build 21313 rolls out to the Insider Dev Channel with new changes | Windows Central
• Microsoft patents design for interchangeable backs on Surface Laptop | Windows Central
• Microsoft CEO claps back at Slack, asks if Slack would exist without Windows | Windows Central
• Microsoft, Google, and Qualcomm complain to US antitrust regulators regarding NVIDIA's purchase of Arm | Windows Central
• Thoughts on the Oculus Quest 2: Should Xbox make a run at VR? | Windows Central

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Subscribe to the podcast

• Download directly: Audio
• Listen via Spotify
• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via RSS
• Subscribe via Google Play Music
• Subscribe via Pocket Casts
• Watch the live stream video archive

Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
• Twitter: @WindowsCentral with hashtag #wcpodcast

What you need to know

• Surface Pro 7+ for Business was announced earlier today.
• Microsoft Mechanics has posted a deep dive video detailing what's new.
• Surface Pro 7+ has a thinner display now, which allows a larger battery.

Earlier this morning, Microsoft announced Surface Pro 7+ for Business aimed at enterprise and education markets. The announcement leaves room for a consumer-focused Surface Pro 8 later this year while giving businesses consistent and modern hardware today.

Featuring Intel 11th Gen processors, 4G LTE, new security features, up to 32GB of RAM, and a removable SSD, there is a lot to like with Surface Pro 7+ for Business, even if they will be a tad harder to buy (for non-businesses).

Microsoft has now published a deep dive video covering Surface Pro 7+ for Business, which goes into more depth about the refreshed laptop.

Most of the engineering here is familiar, but there are some interesting tidbits too.

For instance, the display in Surface Pro 7+ for Business is now thinner (not the bezels, we're talking depth). Microsoft uses the same display technology pioneered in Surface Pro X in Surface Pro 7+ for Business. The result? Microsoft could squeeze in a larger 50.4 watt-hour battery. The previous Surface Pro 7 only had a 43.2 watt-hour one.

When combined with 11th Gen Intel processors, which deliver 2.1x the performance over Surface Pro 7's 10th Gen, it's no wonder Surface Pro 7+ for Business gets a rated 4.5 hours of improvement. Even the LTE version is rated for 13.5 hours, three hours more than Surface Pro 7.

Microsoft also shows off some of the new packaging ideas they are using for Surface Pro 7+ for Business, which reduces costs, shipping weight, is better for the environment, and makes the distribution of larger quantities of devices to firms much easier.

You can also see where the removable SSD door is and how it all works in the video.

Finally, like in the previous Surface Pro with LTE, Microsoft is only offering 4G LTE Advanced in the Core i5 model. The reason is whereas the Core i7 has a fan, the Core i5 model does not. Microsoft places the 4G LTE modem in place of the fan, which saves space and means Microsoft did not need to redesign the 4G model.

Business and education customers in select markets across Asia, Europe, and North America can order Surface Pro 7+ through their local resellers today, with shipping beginning at the end of this week. Pricing starts at $899 and goes up to $2,800 for the new 32GB/1TB option.

What you need to know

• Surface Pro 7+ is for enterprise and education markets.
• Surface Pro 7+ features 4G LTE options, 32GB of RAM, removable SSD, and Intel 11th Gen processors.
• Shipping starts later this week.
• We could see Surface Pro 8 for consumers later this fall.

A lot has changed in the world in the last year, especially with how we work. As a result, Microsoft is shaking things up a bit with its "classic" Surface Pro laptop. Instead of introducing a Surface Pro 8 for consumers, it is refreshing Surface Pro 7 with a new "plus" edition for enterprise and education markets.

So, what is different about Surface Pro 7+ for Business, and can regular consumers buy one? Here is what is new for Surface Pro 7+ for Business and how it differs from Surface Pro 7 for Consumers.

Surface Pro 7+ What's different

The most exciting changes for Surface Pro 7+ start with the SSD. Following the designs of Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft is introducing a removable SSD design for Surface Pro 7+.

Just like Surface Pro X, users can pop off the rear door using a SIM tool and with a single Torx T3 screw swap out the drive for security reasons or upgrades.

We recently did a how-to on swapping the SSD in Surface Pro X, detailing the procedure.

Next is the introduction of Intel 11th Gen processors. Intel's latest CPUs bring up to a 30 percent boost in processor performance and nearly 80 percent in GPU thanks to the new Iris Xe graphics. Microsoft claims that Surface Pro 7+ is now "2.1 times faster" than before.

Options for Core i3, Core i5 (both without fans), and Core i7 will be available.

Besides improved performance, Intel 11th Gen also brings significantly better battery life. Microsoft is now claiming Surface Pro+ can achieve up to 15 hours of battery life, and it can recharge up to 80 percent in just under an hour. The older Surface Pro 7 based on Intel 10th Gen was only rated up to 10.5 hours of battery life for comparison.

Another significant shift is for the first time, you can order Surface Pro with 32GB of RAM. That version won't be cheap as it is only available with a Core i7 and 1TB of internal storage, bringing the price to $2,800.

The other change is the option for 4G LTE. Microsoft's last Surface Pro with LTE was announced in 2017 (but didn't ship until early 2018). That model is only available in platinum with a Core i5, 8 or 16GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.

Battery life is rated at 13.5 hours for the LTE model versus 15 hours for Wi-Fi only.

Additional security has also been added to Surface Pro 7+ to protect against "common and sophisticated malware." Microsoft goes into detail in a separate blog post on the new abilities.

When combined with a removable SSD, Intel 11th Gen Core i5, and the Snapdragon X20 LTE Modem Surface Pro 7+ should be a killer convertible tablet. Other than those changes, nothing else is different with Surface Pro 7+ compared to Surface Pro 7.

Surface Pro 7+ Why only businesses?

The obvious question is why Microsoft is doing a mid-cycle refresh to Surface Pro 7. The answer is evident when you consider how much enterprise and schooling have shifted due to the pandemic.

Instead of waiting for a Surface Pro 8, Microsoft revamped Surface Pro 7 for its business partners and customers who have been asking for these changes. Microsoft tells us, "we have had differentiated consumer and commercial SKUs for several years to allow us to best meet the needs of each customer," and that prioritizing "Surface Pro 7+ for commercial and education customers is an extension of this strategy."

In a blog post on the announcement, Microsoft added more about the need for Surface Pro 7+:

Microsoft is also getting in on being more environmentally conscious by reducing the overall weight of the packaging for Surface Pro 7+, which is now "23% lighter than the previous generation and is made from 99% natural fiber-based material, of which 64% is post-consumer recycled content."

Here are a few more questions you may have:

Will Surface Pro 7 continue to be sold?

For consumers, Surface Pro 7 is the one that will continue to be available. It is not being discontinued. But for enterprise (commercial) and EDU markets Surface Pro 7+ does replace Surface Pro 7.

Can consumers (regular people) buy Surface Pro 7+?

Yes. Surface Pro 7+ "can be purchased by business customers - including freelancers - through a Surface Commercial Authorized Device Reseller or via the Microsoft Store Business Desk."

That means you probably cannot one through Best Buy but will be able to order it through Microsoft and other channels similar to getting the Intel version of Surface Book 3 (15-inch).

Why no 5G?

Microsoft is notoriously shy about introducing new features, and according to the, 5G is not something their business customers have been asking for just yet. Microsoft will do 5G when they think it is ready for more mainstream customers but now is not that time.

What about Thunderbolt 4?

Unfortunately, there is no Thunderbolt 4 with Surface Pro 7+. Maybe we'll see it with Surface Pro 8.

Does the LTE version support eSIM?

Yes. Both eSIM and a removable nano SIM are supported. As usual, Surface Pro 7+ is SIM unlocked and supports the following global LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66.

Surface Pro 7+ pricing, models, and availability

With the inclusion of LTE, up to 32GB of RAM, and both black and platinum colorways, there are quite a few configuration options for Surface Pro 7+. Here are all of them broken by category.

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ LTE Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Education

Pricing starts at $899 for the Core i3 with 8GB and 128GB of storage (platinum) and peaks at $2,800 for Core i7, 32GB, and 1TB of storage (platinum). Education models are $100 cheaper, only come in platinum, and do not have an LTE option.

You won't have to wait long to order one either. Business and education customers in select markets across Asia, Europe, and North America can order Surface Pro 7+ through their local resellers today, with shipping beginning at the end of this week.

Surface Pro 7+: Quick analysis

The good news is Microsoft is not calling this Surface Pro 8. That leaves room for that device to come out perhaps, later this year and with it more significant changes.

Interestingly, Microsoft didn't see the need to bring Surface Pro 7+ to the consumer market, even though that seems like it would have been an logical strategy. But in doing so, some customers who buy Surface Pro 7+ may feel burned if Surface Pro 8 comes out late in the fall and with it an expected updated design. The positioning of Surface Pro 7+ for Business gets around that issue.

The enterprise (and EDU) markets care less about thinner bezels or the latest in consumer delights. That makes Surface Pro 7+ with its removable SSD, LTE option, and latest Intel processors an easy sell. And we can't fault Microsoft in wanting to meet the demands of this market considering the big role PCs now play at work.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Surface Hub 2S 85-inch, as expected, is starting to ship this month too. Customers interested in Surface Hub 2S 85-inch can connect with an authorized Surface Hub reseller for more info.

Need more on Surface? See our "Expectations, predictions, and what we want to see for Surface in 2021" list on what we know.