As technology continues to advance, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest operating systems. But with the constant release of new versions, it can be difficult to keep track of how long each one will be supported. In this article, we will discuss the lifecycles of Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, and how long you can expect them to be supported.
Windows 10
Windows 10 was released in 2015 and is the current version of the Windows operating system. Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows, and instead, they will continue to update and support it with regular feature and security updates. This means that Windows 10 will have a long lifecycle, with mainstream support ending on October 14, 2025, and extended support ending on October 14, 2025.
Mainstream support includes free technical support, bug fixes, and security updates, while extended support only includes security updates. After the end of extended support, Microsoft will no longer provide any updates for Windows 10, and users will need to upgrade to a newer version to continue receiving support.
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 was released in 2013 and is the predecessor to Windows 10. It was a major update to Windows 8, with improvements to the user interface and added features. Mainstream support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 9, 2018, and extended support will end on January 10, 2023.
This means that Windows 8.1 is currently in the extended support phase, and users will only receive security updates until the end of support date. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide any updates for Windows 8.1, and users will need to upgrade to a newer version to continue receiving support.
Windows 7
Windows 7 was released in 2009 and quickly became one of the most popular versions of Windows. However, all good things must come to an end, and Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020. This means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide any updates, including security updates, for Windows 7.
While this may seem like a long time away, it’s important to start planning for an upgrade now. Continuing to use Windows 7 after the end of support date can leave your computer vulnerable to security threats and may also cause compatibility issues with newer software and hardware.
Windows Server Lifecycle
In addition to the lifecycle of the Windows operating system, it’s also important to consider the lifecycle of Windows Server. Windows Server 2019, the latest version, was released in 2018 and will have mainstream support until January 9, 2024, and extended support until January 9, 2029.
It’s important to note that the lifecycle for Windows Server is different from the lifecycle for the Windows operating system. While Windows Server 2019 will have a long lifecycle, it’s important to regularly check for updates and plan for upgrades to ensure the security and functionality of your server.
In conclusion, it’s important to stay informed about the lifecycles of your operating system and plan for upgrades accordingly. By staying up-to-date, you can ensure the security and functionality of your computer and avoid any potential compatibility issues.
