Windows - General
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?
Windows products are governed by both Modern and Fixed Lifecycle Policies. Search for the product lifecycle for your specific Windows product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy and end-of-support dates.
What is the difference between a Windows quality update and a Windows feature update?
A Windows quality update is an incremental monthly update to Windows products that includes bug fixes, feature improvements, and security issue resolutions.
A Windows feature update is an annual update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.
Go here for more information on these terms.
What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows?
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows. Go here for support dates.
Windows quality updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the quality updates preceding it.
Where can I find a list of Windows features and functionality that have been removed or are no longer developed?
Each version of Windows adds new features and functionality. Occasionally, Microsoft may no longer develop (deprecate) or remove certain Windows features and functionality. See below for links to specific changes by product.
Windows 11
- Windows 11 Feature Deprecations and Removals
Windows 10
- Windows 10 features we're no longer developing - Windows Deployment
- Windows 10 - Features that have been removed - Windows Deployment
Windows Server
- Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server 2022
- Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server, version 1903 and Windows Server, version 1909
- Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server 2019
- Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server 2016 | Microsoft Docs
How are Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers supported on Windows?
Internet Explorer is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) and follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed and supported. Microsoft Edge follows the Modern Policy. Go here to see a table showing which version of Internet Explorer is supported for each Windows OS, and go here for a list of support operating systems for Microsoft Edge.
If I obtained Windows when I purchased a new device, who provides support?
If you have a valid Windows license, you are eligible for support from Microsoft, subject to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy and the support terms and conditions that were in place at the time of purchase. If you acquired your Windows operating system through the Microsoft Volume Licensing program or from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Microsoft offers access to a wealth of online self-help support content in addition to paid technical help offerings. If you acquired your Windows operating system through an OEM, you may also contact your OEM for more information about the support offerings for Windows operating systems from that OEM.
Can I use prior versions of Windows on a device running a newer version?
To use prior versions of Windows on devices currently running a newer version, it is possible for customers to obtain a license for downgrade rights. These downgrade rights will vary depending on whether the software was acquired via Volume Licensing, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or Full Packaged Product (FPP). To learn more about these rights, review the downgrade rights licensing brief. Prior versions of Windows have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please see Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. A device may not be able to run prior versions of Windows if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, or is otherwise outside of the original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) support period.
When a Windows operating system (OS) reaches the end of its lifecycle or is no longer supported, does that mean new programs will not run on that OS?
Once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive technical assistance, software updates, or security fixes. The OS may still work with programs and hardware after the sale or support of the operating system has been discontinued. However, the possibility increases that new programs and hardware will not be performant on an older OS. This frequently occurs because the manufacturers of new hardware and software make product-design decisions that take advantage of the increased functionality and features in newer operating systems. These manufacturers may decide to discontinue support of their products on older operating systems as appropriate.
Windows 11
What is the servicing timeline for a version (feature update) of Windows 11?
New versions of Windows 11 will be released once per year and will receive monthly quality updates that include security and non-security updates. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.
| Edition | Servicing timeline (one release per year) | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Enterprise Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session Windows 11 Education Windows 11 IoT Enterprise | 36 months from release date | |
| Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Pro Education Windows 11 Pro for Workstations Windows 11 Home 1 Windows 11 SE | 24 months from release date |
1Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 11 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.
What are the system requirements for Windows 11?
There are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11. Devices that don't meet these requirements might not be able to install Windows 11. Go here for Windows 11 requirements. Note that devices must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade via Windows Update.
Windows 10
What is the servicing timeline for a version (feature update) of Windows 10?
Historically, new versions of Windows 10 (also called feature updates) were released twice a year via the Semi-Annual Channel. Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update), feature updates will be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel. Go here to learn more.
Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.
As of September 6, 2018, we have evolved our servicing timeline for customers who need more time to test and deploy Windows 10 feature updates. Supported versions will be serviced via monthly quality updates.
| Edition | Servicing timeline released first half of year (H1) | Servicing timeline released second half of year (H2)3 |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session Windows 10 Education Windows 10 IoT Enterprise | 18 months from release date | 30 months from release date |
| Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro Education Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Windows 10 Home 2 | 18 months from release date | 18 months from release date |
2Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.
3Windows moved to an annual release cadence starting with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update).
What are my installation options for Windows 10 updates?
It is highly recommended that customers install the latest feature update to stay up to date with the latest security updates, as well as to continue receiving future feature updates, with less impact on IT processes and infrastructure.
To help reduce the burden on network bandwidth, Microsoft designed two different update types: Full and Express3.
If needed, customers may defer Feature Updates via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options or via an organization's device management policies.
On devices that do not defer the installation of feature updates, the subsequent Semi-Annual Channel or General Availability Channel version of Windows 10 may be automatically offered and installed prior to the end date. Update deferral is not available for all editions of Windows 104. Please see Windows as a Service (WaaS) for information on release channels and the Windows 10 release information page for additional update details.
Not all features in a feature update will be available on all devices. Similarly, a device may not be able to receive updates if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, lacks sufficient storage space, or is otherwise outside the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) support period. For more information on compatibility, review the Windows 10 System Requirements as well as the Windows Processor Requirements.
Update availability may vary by country, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).
3As of April 9th, 2019 Delta Updates are no longer available. To learn more, go here.
4Windows 10 Home does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.
What happened to the End of Mainstream Support date for Windows 10 listings on the Lifecycle Product Search page?
In the Windows as a Service (WaaS) model, the concept of Mainstream Support does not apply to Semi-Annual Channels, as each Semi-Annual Channel will be serviced (receive monthly quality updates) for a limited time. Customers are required to move to a supported version (feature update) to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes.
What are the requirements for servicing and updating the Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)?
The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed to be used only for specialized devices - for example, those that control medical equipment or automated teller machines (ATMs).
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.
See Overview of Windows as a Service (WaaS) for more information on release channels and the Windows 10 release info page for additional update details.
Windows 8.1
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows 8.1?
Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported. More details regarding Windows 8.1 reaching end of extended support may be found here.
Windows Server
What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows Server?
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows Server. Go here for support dates.
Updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the updates that preceded it.
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)?
Previously a standalone product, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) became a component of the Windows Server operating system beginning with Windows Server 2012. A component is defined as a set of files or features that are included with a Microsoft product, whether it is shipped with the product, included in a product service pack or update, or later made available as a web download for the product. As a component, WSUS follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed – Windows Server (the parent product).
Windows Embedded
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Embedded/IoT products?
Windows Embedded 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows Embedded 8 with support ending July 11, 2023. Customers have 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8.1 to remain supported. This applies to Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise and Industry Pro.
What is the difference in the Extended Support phase for Windows Embedded products versus regular Windows products?
The type of support provided in the Extended Support phase is consistent across all products. Critical security updates are made available for products until the published Extended Support end date. This allows businesses to ensure that they are up to date in protection against security attacks. Similar to Windows products, Embedded products also receive updates through Microsoft Update. No regular updates are being released for Windows Embedded products to the release channels of DPC (Device Partner Center), Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU) and Microsoft OEM Online (MOO).
Windows Silicon Policy
What is the Windows policy for silicon support?
Windows products will be supported for security, reliability, and compatibility on the latest silicon available at the time of release. This includes previous silicon generations still in support by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
What is the Windows Lifecycle policy for Intel's sixth generation of processors (also known as Skylake) released in late 2015?
Windows 7 and 8.1 Devices.Supported Skylake devices will receive applicable Windows security updates through the end of support. These systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. Search here to see your product's end of support dates.
Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1.Skylake devices running Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1 will be supported according to the lifecycle support policy for those products. During this supported period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. There is no supported device list for Windows Embedded.
Windows Server.The Windows Server platform is supported on certified or logoed hardware as listed in the Windows Server Catalog. Today, you can browse the catalog and find hardware that meets or exceeds our minimum server hardware requirements and has been successfully certified for supported Windows Server products. For Windows Server, the policy consists of five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support. This lifecycle impacts the timeframe for which new devices and systems can be certified. We allow new systems to be submitted for certification up to the point when the OS transitions to extended support.
Where can I learn more?
To identify what generation of processor you have, see Intel's page on processor numbers. To see if your processor supports Windows 10, see Intel's Product Specification page. Go here to learn more about the latest processor requirements for all Windows products. To find your Windows product end of support date, search the Product Lifecycle site.
Windows RT
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows RT?
Microsoft will make software updates, including security updates, available for Windows RT. Go here for support timelines.
What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, the version of Office available on Windows RT?
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT has the same lifecycle policy as Windows RT.
How long will Microsoft support device hardware that runs Windows RT?
Please refer to hardware warranties for more information. More details can be found in the Hardware FAQ.
Change Log
October 2020 edits
UPDATED the Windows 8.1 section.
June 2021 edits
ADDED the Windows 11 section.
October 2021 edits
UPDATED the Windows 11 section.
November 2021 edits
UPDATED the Windows 10 section.
FAQs
What is the Lifecycle policy for Windows? ›
The Fixed Lifecycle Policy is designed to take the guesswork out of determining the length of time Microsoft provides support and servicing for a product. In most situations, Microsoft provides a minimum of 10 years of support. The lifecycle combines 5 years of Mainstream Support and up to 5 years of Extended Support.
What is the lifecycle of Windows 21H2? ›The Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition (version 21H2) does not have extended support. It will reach end of servicing on 2027-01-12. Only Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (version 21H2) will have support until 2032-01-13.
Can I still use Windows 8.1 after 2023? ›No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Windows 8.1 technical support.
What is Microsoft support lifecycle policy? ›Microsoft Lifecycle provides consistent and predictable guidelines for support throughout the life of a product, helping customers manage their IT investments and environments while strategically planning for the future.
Does Windows 10 have an end of life policy? ›Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025.
Does Windows have lifetime license? ›...
MICROSOFT Windows 10 Professional Lifetime Validity For 1 Pc Professional 32/64 Bit.
| Sales Package | 1 |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Windows 10 Professional Lifetime Validity For 1 Pc |
Windows 10, version 21H2 is designated for broad deployment. As always, we recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10 as soon as possible to ensure that you can take advantage of the latest features and advanced protections from the latest security threats.
What is the difference between Windows 10 21H1 and 21H2? ›In this article
Windows 10, version 21H2 is also known as the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. It includes all features and fixes in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 21H1.
Yes, Windows 10 21H2 is totally safe. When this update was released on November 16, it was confirmed and signed as safe, stable, and ready to install on devices that have 20H2, 2004, and 21H1.
How long until Windows 7 is obsolete? ›End of support (after January 14, 2020)
On January 14, 2020, Windows 7 support ended with Microsoft no longer providing security updates or fixes after that date, except for subscribers of the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU), who were able to receive Windows 7 security updates through January 10, 2023.
Can I change Windows 8.1 to 10 for free? ›
As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.
Is Windows 11 still free? ›Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.
What are the three main goals of lifecycle management? ›To ensure seamless flow of information throughout its lifecycle, DLM has three main goals: confidentiality, integrity and availability, also known as the CIA triad.
What are the 6 phases of data lifecycle? ›As you can see with the below headings, there are six phases: data creation, data storage, data use, data sharing, data archiving, and data destruction.
What is life cycle framework? ›Definition(s):
Framework of processes and activities concerned with the life cycle that may be organized into stages, which also acts as a common reference for communication and understanding.
Ad One product to protect all your devices, without slowing them down. Microsoft will retire the Windows 10 operating system on October 10, 2025. It's the first time the company puts an expiration date on its current operating system, paving the way for its successor, Windows 11.
Can I still use Windows 10 in 2025? ›Windows 10, Windows 11 -- as long as you're paying Microsoft for subscriptions, it's all the same. Though Microsoft released the new Windows 11 2022 Update to consumers today, there's no obligation to upgrade. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 through October 2025, company executives said.
What happens when Windows 10 retires? ›"Once a product reaches the end of support, or a service retires," it says, "there will be no new security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support." During the support period, you get security, quality, and feature updates, though at some point you'll lose feature updates.
What are the 3 types of Windows licensing? ›- Full Packaged Product (FPP) or Retail. You can get this type of Windows license from retail merchants or buy from the Microsoft store. ...
- OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). ...
- Volume license keys for use on PCs associated with an organization.
You can use it as many times as you want to. However there is an important point: Do you have a retail license or an OEM license? If it's a retail license you can move it from computer to computer as many times as you want to, as long as you don't have it installed on two computers at once.
Which Windows versions are end of life? ›
...
Releases.
| Version | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Version 2004 | May 27, 2020 | Dec 14, 2021 |
| Version 1909 | Nov 12, 2019 | May 10, 2022 |
| Version 1903 | May 21, 2019 | Dec 8, 2020 |
| Version 1809 | Nov 13, 2018 | May 11, 2021 |
Windows 10 version 21H2 will be supported until June 13, 2023, and Microsoft announced last year that the OS will only get one major update per going forward until it reaches end of support in 2025. This means that we should get Windows 10 version 22H2 later this year for users that can't upgrade to Windows 11.
Is Windows 10 21H2 forced? ›Microsoft started the forced rollout of Windows 10 20H2 using the same machine learning-based rollout process to devices running Windows 10 1909 and earlier in March 2021. Now, computers running Windows versions closing their end of service will be automatically upgraded to Windows 10 21H2.
What happens if I don't update Windows 10 20H2? ›The company is ending support for Windows 10 version 20H2 in just a few short weeks, meaning that anyone who fails to upgrade will no longer receive security updates. Microsoft would, of course, like users to upgrade to Windows 11, but this is not the only option.
Should I update from Windows 21H1 to 21H2? ›Once your version of Windows 21H1 reaches its "end of service" on December 12, 2022, it will no longer receive security updates. Yes, you will need to upgrade to Windows version 21H2 to continue to receive security updates and keep your system secure, improve performance and stability.
What does H stand for in 21H2? ›H: Half. 1: First Half of the year, it means Before July which is the middle of the year.
How many GB is 21H2 update? ›Windows 10 21H2 system requirements
Hard drive space: 32GB clean install or new PC (16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit existing installation).
Before updating to Windows 10, version 21H2 using an enablement package, you must be running Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, or 21H1.
Do I need 21H2 for Windows 11? ›Windows 10 21H2 is now widely available, Windows 11 remains optional. Back in November 2021, Microsoft started rolling out Windows 10 November 2021 Update (version 21H2) to compatible devices.
How long does the 21H2 update take? ›Testing out the 21H2 Feature Update on some VM's in VMWare. All 3 VM's are currently on 1803.
What will happen to Windows 7 after 2023? ›
Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise editions will no longer receive extended security updates for critical and important vulnerabilities starting Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
Is it ok to use Windows 7 in 2022? ›“While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. “Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10.
Will Windows 7 be supported after 2023? ›But the end of the road is coming: Microsoft has announced that Edge will end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 in mid-January of 2023, shortly after those operating systems stop getting regular security updates.
Is Windows 10 free now 2022? ›As you can guess, it is very much possible to still upgrade and get Windows 10 for free in 2022. You just need to follow our methods covered above -- from using your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 product key or even getting a license through work or school at no cost.
Is Windows 10 faster than Windows 8.1 on older computers? ›Windows 10 has been developed in a way it is much faster than Windows 8.1 provided your system specifications meet the requirements. If you are experiencing slow performance issues in Windows 10, I would suggest you to try the following methods and check if they are helpful.
Can I upgrade my Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free 2022? ›To upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, open Media Creation Tool, select “Upgrade this PC now,” and click Install. Yes, you can still upgrade for free since the Windows 8.1 product key will activate Windows 10. Although files and apps will be preserved, you still want to create a backup of your computer.
Is Windows 10 or 11 better? ›Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too. There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either.
How much Windows 11 license cost? ›Buy Windows from Microsoft: $139 - $199
You can get Windows 10 Home (opens in new tab) or Windows 11 Home for $139 (opens in new tab). And you can get Windows 10 Pro (opens in new tab) or Windows 11 Pro for $199 (opens in new tab). You can get these either as downloads or on USB drives.
Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase all your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10.
What are the 5 LifeCycle stages? ›- The product life cycle is the progression of a product through 5 distinct stages—development, introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. ...
- Market research plays an integral role in each stage of the product life cycle. ...
- The first stage in the product life cycle is development.
What are the 4 life cycle models? ›
- Waterfall model. This is one of the simplest, classic life-cycle models, also known as the "linear-sequential" life cycle model. ...
- Iterative model. ...
- Spiral model. ...
- Prototype model.
There are 5 Main Life Cycle Stages. Everything that is produced goes through these five main life cycle stages: materiel extraction, manufacturing. packaging and transportation, use and end of life. At each of these stages, there are inputs and outputs, flow-throughs, value losses, and potential gains.
Is 2025 the end of Windows? ›...
Product Retirements.
| Product | Retirement |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise and Education Windows 10 Home and Pro Windows 10 IoT Enterprise | October 14, 2025 |
A lifecycle policy consists of one or more rules that determine which images in a repository should be expired. When considering the use of lifecycle policies, it's important to use the lifecycle policy preview to confirm which images the lifecycle policy expires before applying it to a repository.
What is a life cycle policy? ›A document lifecycle policy is an object that defines the "life" of a document in terms of phases or states through which the document cycles. The states are user-defined, and, when one state moves to another, a lifecycle-related system event fires.
Is Windows 2008 end of life? ›Extended support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 ended on January 14, 2020. Extended support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will be ending on October 10, 2023.
Will Windows 12 exist? ›When will Windows 12 be released? According to reports, the next major version of Windows is going to launch at some point in 2024, roughly three years after Windows 11's debut. That's all we really have right now, and it might be a while before we have any more information.
What happens to Windows 10 after October 2025? ›Windows 10, Windows 11 -- as long as you're paying Microsoft for subscriptions, it's all the same. Though Microsoft released the new Windows 11 2022 Update to consumers today, there's no obligation to upgrade.
Is Microsoft Windows declining? ›In its More Personal Computing division, which includes Windows, Microsoft reported $4.6 billion in operating income for the fourth quarter of its 2022 fiscal year, ended June 30 — down 5.2% from the $4.9 billion reported in the same quarter a year ago.
What are the 5 life cycles? ›A living being's life cycle passes through birth, adolescence, adulthood, old age, and death. Commercial items follow a similar evolution that comprises the five stages of a product's life cycle, which we will review below.
What are the 5 phases in life cycle model? ›
What are the 5 Phases of the System Development Life Cycle? The SDLC has five phases: inception, design, implementation, maintenance, and audit or disposal, which includes an assessment of the risk management plan.
What are the three types of life cycles? ›There are three types of life cycles: Haplontic life cycle, Diplontic life cycle and Haplodiplontic life cycle.
What is the 3 stages of life cycle approach? ›9 With these features in mind, the LCA of an analytical procedure can be broken down into three stages: method design, method qualification, and continued method verification (Fig.
What is a life cycle example? ›A life cycle ends when an organism dies. In general, plants and animals go through three basic stages in their life cycles, starting as a fertilized egg or seed, developing into an immature juvenile, and then finally transforming into an adult.