Microsoft discontinues support for Surface Laptop Go

Back in October 2020, Microsoft unveiled the inaugural Surface Laptop Go, heralded as an affordable entry-level laptop with an enticing starting price of just $550. However, as of today, the first-generation Surface Laptop has officially reached the end of its software support after four years since its debut.

Marketed as a practical alternative for users on a budget, the Surface Laptop Go was intended for those who found the pricier Surface Laptop 3 out of reach. While the $550 price tag initially seemed like a bargain, the hardware specifications told a different story. For that price, buyers received a well-crafted device featuring a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and a mere 64 GB of eMMC storage. To upgrade to 8 GB of RAM and at least 128 GB of SSD storage, users had to pay an additional $150, pushing the cost close to that of the Surface Laptop 3, which offered superior display quality and better materials.

The Surface Laptop Go was unique among Surface products, including a fingerprint sensor instead of a Windows Hello-enabled camera. However, this feature was only available on models priced at $700 and above, making it inaccessible for those opting for the base version.

Nonetheless, user experience was significantly compromised by lackluster battery performance, a low-resolution screen, and the absence of a backlit keyboard. Many users pointed out that the base model seemed to be a mere marketing gimmick, allowing Microsoft to claim they offered a Surface Laptop at a starting price of $550.

Compared to other Surface models from the same release period, the Surface Laptop Go had a relatively brief support lifespan. It received active updates and support for only four years, whereas the Surface Laptop 3 benefited from a five-year support period.

It is important to clarify that the termination of support pertains solely to drivers and firmware updates. Users can still operate their Surface Laptop Go as long as it remains functional. Additionally, it will continue to receive Windows updates, including the latest Windows 11 24H2, as it is fully compatible with this version of the operating system.

Microsoft subsequently launched the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go on June 7, 2022. This newer version kept the same design and 4 GB RAM in the base model, but replaced the eMMC storage with a standard 128 GB SSD. Consequently, the entry-level price increased from $550 to $600. The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a longer support lifecycle of six years, with end-of-support scheduled for June 7, 2028.

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