David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Windows 7 Mainstream Support Ends
by John Lister, InfoPackets.com
January, 15 2015
As expected and according to Microsoft's Windows lifecycle page, Windows 7 mainstream support officially ended on January 13, 2015. It means there will be no more significant updates to the Windows 7 operating system, other than security updates.
The end of mainstream support is in line with Microsoft's general policy of offering support for its operating systems five years after being released, followed by extended support for a further five years.
The only exception to this policy was Windows XP, where the total support period lasted for 13 years. That was largely because the system remained popular much longer than expected, thanks to the lack of interest in Windows Vista.
No More Windows 7 Service Packs or Free Support
So what does Windows 7 "end of mainstream support" mean?
In short, it means that Microsoft will no longer add any major, new features to Windows 7, and there will be no more service packs released to the public. However, Microsoft will continue to issue security updates and bug fixes free of charge for the rest of the extended support period. That's fortunate as the most recent figures suggest more than half of all PC users are currently running Windows 7.
Microsoft's free support for Windows 7 will also end. Consumers will no longer be able to get any support through phone lines or live chat; instead they will have to rely on Microsoft's website help databases or by using third party websites and solutions.
Business users will be able to choose from a selection of paid support options, which includes paying by the case, or by the hour. For the next 90 days, business users will also have the option to subscribe to a "hotfix" program that can automatically update any usability bugs without the need for IT staff to intervene. Security hotfixes, where issued, will remain free of charge for both businesses and consumers. (Source: microsoft.com)
Windows 7 Security Updates Should Run For 5 More Years
As things stand, the extended support period for Windows 7 is scheduled to end on January 14, 2020. Microsoft's policy says the extended support period runs for five years, or until two years after the next-but-one system is released, whichever is later. (Source: microsoft.com)
Given that this next-but-one system (Windows 10) is expected to be released some time this year, it's almost certain that 2020 will indeed be the final deadline. Microsoft will be hoping that's enough time that Windows 7 will no longer be widely used. That will save a repeat of the XP dilemma where Microsoft faced the unappetizing prospect of switching off security updates for a system that millions of people still used.
by John Lister, InfoPackets.com
January, 15 2015
As expected and according to Microsoft's Windows lifecycle page, Windows 7 mainstream support officially ended on January 13, 2015. It means there will be no more significant updates to the Windows 7 operating system, other than security updates.
The end of mainstream support is in line with Microsoft's general policy of offering support for its operating systems five years after being released, followed by extended support for a further five years.
The only exception to this policy was Windows XP, where the total support period lasted for 13 years. That was largely because the system remained popular much longer than expected, thanks to the lack of interest in Windows Vista.
No More Windows 7 Service Packs or Free Support
So what does Windows 7 "end of mainstream support" mean?
In short, it means that Microsoft will no longer add any major, new features to Windows 7, and there will be no more service packs released to the public. However, Microsoft will continue to issue security updates and bug fixes free of charge for the rest of the extended support period. That's fortunate as the most recent figures suggest more than half of all PC users are currently running Windows 7.
Microsoft's free support for Windows 7 will also end. Consumers will no longer be able to get any support through phone lines or live chat; instead they will have to rely on Microsoft's website help databases or by using third party websites and solutions.
Business users will be able to choose from a selection of paid support options, which includes paying by the case, or by the hour. For the next 90 days, business users will also have the option to subscribe to a "hotfix" program that can automatically update any usability bugs without the need for IT staff to intervene. Security hotfixes, where issued, will remain free of charge for both businesses and consumers. (Source: microsoft.com)
Windows 7 Security Updates Should Run For 5 More Years
As things stand, the extended support period for Windows 7 is scheduled to end on January 14, 2020. Microsoft's policy says the extended support period runs for five years, or until two years after the next-but-one system is released, whichever is later. (Source: microsoft.com)
Given that this next-but-one system (Windows 10) is expected to be released some time this year, it's almost certain that 2020 will indeed be the final deadline. Microsoft will be hoping that's enough time that Windows 7 will no longer be widely used. That will save a repeat of the XP dilemma where Microsoft faced the unappetizing prospect of switching off security updates for a system that millions of people still used.
