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Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
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4/22/13 |
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Microsoft Support Lifecycle |
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Microsoft released the latest version of Windows, Windows 8, in October, 2012. Windows XP was released December, 2001, Windows Vista January, 2007 and Windows 7 October, 2009.
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A huge base of users still relies on Windows XP even though it is almost twelve years old. How long will Microsoft continue support of this popular but aging operating system? What about all the other myriad of Microsoft products? |
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For each of its products Microsoft maintains a support lifecycle. Each product has an array of versions and service packs that have to be taken into account to determine the support lifecycle. The determination of the support lifecycle for a particular product is complicated further by other factors such as local laws, market conditions, requirements of specific industry sectors, etc.
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Generally, for most versions of Windows XP, Microsoft has extended support through 4/8/14 in the US. For Windows Vista, mainstream support ended 4/10/12, with extended support through 4/11/17. Windows 7 mainstream support ends 1/13/15 with extended support through 1/14/20. These dates could be extended further as they approach. For most users, the importance of "extended" support is that Microsoft continues to provide security updates even though "mainstream" support has ended. It also provides for paid assistance.
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There are far too many other products to list here. Fortunately Microsoft makes this information available on the internet. Use the following link to determine the status of your particular product: Microsoft Support Lifecycle. |
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Because these dates can change, we suggest checking back occasionally. |
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