End of Support for Surface Book 3
Today marks a significant moment for owners of the third-generation Surface Book: both the 13-inch and 15-inch models have officially reached the end of their support lifecycle. As of now, Microsoft will no longer provide firmware updates, security patches, or new drivers for these devices.
A Brief History of the Surface Book 3
Originally launched on May 6, 2020, and available to consumers shortly thereafter, the Surface Book 3 offered a unique combination of performance and versatility. Initially priced at $1, 600 for the smaller model and $2, 300 for the larger one, it maintained the distinctive design of its predecessors, blending a tablet with a detachable keyboard that housed additional battery and optional high-performance graphics capabilities.
Specifications and Performance
While the Surface Book 3 featured the latest Intel 10th-generation Core i5 and i7 processors along with RAM options up to 32GB, many users felt its performance was somewhat lacking considering the advanced specs. Additionally, the available graphics options ranged from integrated Intel Iris Plus to dedicated GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1650 Max-Q and Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q, catering to a variety of user needs.
The Shift to Newer Models
Despite impressive specifications, the Surface Book 3 faced criticism for its perceived stagnation in innovation. Just a year after its release, Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop Studio, marking a departure from the traditional Surface Book design and showcasing a more modern approach to laptop computing.
Continuing to Use the Surface Book 3
Although users can still run Windows 11 on their Surface Book 3 and receive operating system feature updates, the cessation of firmware and driver support means that those who continue to rely on this device may encounter security risks and other issues down the line.
What’s Next for Microsoft Devices?
With the Surface Book 3’s support officially ended, attention turns to the next model slated for discontinuation: the Surface Pro X SQ1. Set to lose support on August 10, 2025, this device was notable as Microsoft’s first significant foray into Windows on ARM technology.
In an era where device longevity and security are paramount, current Surface Book 3 users will need to carefully consider their options going forward.
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