Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make other changes to your software. Here are the rights and limits of the Windows lifecycle.
End of support
End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available update or service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. For more information go to Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
| Client operating systems | Latest update or service pack | End of mainstream support | End of extended support |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Client operating systems
Windows XP |
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 3 |
End of mainstream support
April 14, 2009 |
End of extended support
April 8, 2014 |
|
Client operating systems
Windows Vista |
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 2 |
End of mainstream support
April 10, 2012 |
End of extended support
April 11, 2017 |
|
Client operating systems
Windows 7 * |
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 1 |
End of mainstream support
January 13, 2015 |
End of extended support
January 14, 2020 |
|
Client operating systems
Windows 8 |
Latest update or service pack
Windows 8.1 |
End of mainstream support
January 9, 2018 |
End of extended support
January 10, 2023 |
* Support for Windows 7 RTM without service packs ended on April 9, 2013. Be sure to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 today to continue to receive support and updates.