Advice Request Microsoft Quietly Ends Downloads of Hotfixes and the FixIt Tool

[AtlBo]

Microsoft has ended the downloading of hotfixes as of November of 2018. Information:

Microsoft Ends Easy Fix Service and Blocks Hotfix Service for Windows -- Redmondmag.com

Microsoft killed its Easy Fix service for Windows systems last month, and this month appeared to be ending the Microsoft Hotfix Service.

redmondmag.com

I found out about this quite by surprise when I went to download the hotfix for adding the SHA-2 hash support for reading digital signatures. I add this hotfix to W7 PCs. Most interesting to me is the notice that greets users on the page where the download was once located:

This hotfix has been discontinued. Instead, you can upgrade to Windows 10 and get the most up-to-date security and other features built right in. To get Windows 10, see Windows 10 Home. Need more info on Windows 10? See Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ.

You can find more information on how to upgrade to the latest update here:

• How to keep your Windows computer up-to-date
• How to obtain Microsoft support files from online services
• How to get an update through Windows Update
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 On-Premise Cumulative Updates
• Download drivers and firmware for Surface
• Internet Explorer Downloads

It's my opinion that Microsoft should stand behind Windows 7 downloads. I was able to find the hotfix at another location, but this decision is very far reaching, especially occurring within the support time frame of Windows 7. Also, this action comes without notice and appears to me to be quite a corrosive and borderline cruel approach. I hope someone finds the gumption to sue MS over this one honestly.

Here is a link to the download page for KB2921916:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2921916&kbln=en-us

 

[Weebarra]

I found this out too over the last couple of weeks when i faced an issue with Windows, clicking on the links within the message i was receiving just kept me going round in circles and i was getting similar information to what you have posted and being redirected to pgaes that didn't exist and telling me how to upgrade to W10.

And even although we (W7 users) are supposed to be in the extended support period then to me that should mean right up until the very last day that W7 support ends not almost a year before that and we should still be able to find fixes. I miss my wee Mr Fixit guy who helped me out many times

 

[Local Host]

Has nothing to do with Windows 7, the whole project was shutdown.

Most of the fixes are included with Windows in the troubleshooter, the rest shouldn't be a problem in a fully updated system.

 

[TairikuOkami]

MS is upset, that people are avoiding their super-duper OS as a plague. They do not even bother to hide their intentions anymore:
Either update to 10 or get lost, we do not care, that you have paid for support and we break EULA, we make the rules. :devil:

 

[StephAh]

Microsoft has ended the downloading of hotfixes as of November of 2018. Information:

Microsoft Ends Easy Fix Service and Blocks Hotfix Service for Windows -- Redmondmag.com

Microsoft killed its Easy Fix service for Windows systems last month, and this month appeared to be ending the Microsoft Hotfix Service.

redmondmag.com

I found out about this quite by surprise when I went to download the hotfix for adding the SHA-2 hash support for reading digital signatures. I add this hotfix to W7 PCs. Most interesting to me is the notice that greets users on the page where the download was once located:



It's my opinion that Microsoft should stand behind Windows 7 downloads. I was able to find the hotfix at another location, but this decision is very far reaching, especially occurring within the support time frame of Windows 7. Also, this action comes without notice and appears to me to be quite a corrosive and borderline cruel approach. I hope someone finds the gumption to sue MS over this one honestly.

Here is a link to the download page for KB2921916:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2921916&kbln=en-us

Hi AtlBo, You say you were able to find the hotfix you needed at another location. Could you please share that location? I am in desperate need of KB3087873 and KB2990941 in order to be able to use an M.2 NVME PCIe card on my Win7 SP1. I would be extremely grateful, if you could direct me to where I could acquire these. Best, StephAh

 

[plat]

I am in desperate need of KB3087873 and KB2990941

Microsoft Update Catalog

www.catalog.update.microsoft.com

The other one "KB2990941" is MIA. Is it listed on your OEM site? For example, in my search, that hotfix is available on Lenovo's driver download site for a Yoga running Windows 7. Hopefully, it'll be available for your make and model.

 

[AtlBo]

Yes, I also found KB3087873 on Lenovo site here just now:

Windows Update Module KB3087873 for Windows 7 (64-bit) - ThinkPad - US

and also in Microsoft Catalog

Microsoft Update Catalog

KB2990941 on Lenovo site:

Windows Update Module KB2990941 for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) - ThinkPad - US

As mentioned it doesn't exist in the Microsoft Catalog which is VERY strange. Maybe it's a good idea for you to keep these stored someplace. This is what I had to do->I Googled and found this site for one of the SHA-2 updates:

Windows6.1-KB2921916-x64.msu -> Language Neutral Windows 7 Hotfix Downloads -> Language Neutral Hotfix Downloads -> Downloads

Turned out I had kept both and was able to find the other one on a system.