Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

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Windows - General

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?

Windows products are governed by both Modern and Stock-still 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 update to Windows products that includes bug fixes, characteristic improvements, and security upshot resolutions.

A Windows feature update is an update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.

Go hither for more than 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.

If I obtained Windows when I purchased a new device, who provides support?

If you have a valid Windows license, y'all are eligible for back up from Microsoft, subject to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy and the back up terms and conditions that were in identify 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-assist support content in addition to paid technical help offerings. If you acquired your Windows operating organization through an OEM, you may too contact your OEM for more than data about the support offerings for Windows operating systems from that OEM.

Tin I apply 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 than near these rights, review the downgrade rights licensing brief. Prior versions of Windows have express support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, delight 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 manufacturer'southward (OEM) support menses.

When a Windows operating system (Os) reaches the end of its lifecycle or is no longer supported, does that hateful new programs will not run on that OS?

Once a Microsoft operating system (Bone) reaches the end of back up, customers will no longer receive security updates. The Bone may nonetheless work with programs and hardware afterwards the auction or support of the operating system has been discontinued. However, the possibility increases that new programs and hardware will not exist performant on an older Bone. This oftentimes occurs because the manufacturers of new hardware and software make production-design decisions that take reward of the increased functionality and features in newer operating systems. These manufacturers may make up one's mind to discontinue support of their products on older operating systems as appropriate.

Windows 11

What is the servicing timeline for a version (characteristic update) of Windows 11?

New versions of Windows xi will be released once per year and will receive monthly quality updates that include security and non-security updates. Customers should ever 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 Didactics
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise		 36 months from release engagement
Windows 11 Pro
Windows eleven Pro Educational activity
Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
Windows eleven Home 1 		24 months from release appointment

1Abode edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and volition 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 xi. Devices that don't run across these requirements might not be able to install Windows 11. Go here for Windows xi 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 twelvemonth via the Semi-Annual Aqueduct. Offset with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows ten November 2021 Update), feature updates volition be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Aqueduct. Go here to acquire more.

Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported past Microsoft.

Every bit of September 6, 2018, nosotros have evolved our servicing timeline for customers who need more than time to exam and deploy Windows 10 characteristic updates. Supported versions volition be serviced via monthly quality updates.

Edition Servicing timeline released first half of year (H1) Servicing timeline released second one-half of year (H2)three
Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Educational activity
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise		 18 months from release date 30 months from release date
Windows x Pro
Windows ten Pro Education
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
Windows x Home two 		18 months from release engagement xviii months from release date

2Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and volition therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the cease-of-servicing date shown.

3Windows will move to an annual release cadence starting with Windows x, version 21H2 (the Windows ten Nov 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, every bit well every bit to continue receiving futurity feature updates, with less affect on Information technology processes and infrastructure.

To help reduce the brunt on network bandwidth, Microsoft designed two unlike update types: Full and Expressthree.

If needed, customers may defer Characteristic Updates via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options or via an organization'southward device management policies.

On devices that do not defer the installation of feature updates, the subsequent Semi-Annual Channel or Full 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. Delight see Windows every bit a Service (WaaS) for information on release channels and the Windows 10 release data folio 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 exterior the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) support period. For more information on compatibility, review the Windows 10 Organization Requirements too every bit the Windows Processor Requirements.

Update availability may vary by state, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.one thousand., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, due east.g., complimentary deejay space).

3Equally of April 9th, 2019 Delta Updates are no longer available. To acquire more, go hither.

ivWindows 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 appointment shown.

What happened to the Cease 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 utilise to Semi-Annual Channels, as each Semi-Annual Channel volition be serviced (receive monthly quality updates) for a express time. Customers are required to move to a supported version (characteristic update) to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes.

What are the requirements for servicing and updating the Windows ten Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)?

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed to be used only for specialized devices - for example, those that command 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 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 information technology.

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 start with Windows Server 2012. A component is divers equally 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 fabricated available equally a spider 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 production).

Windows 8.ane

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January ix, 2018, and volition attain cease of Extended Support on Jan 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows eight.one, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to movement to Windows eight.1 to remain supported.

Why were Windows viii customers required to motion to Windows viii.1 ii years after the full general availability?

Historically, Microsoft has taken a like support approach related to service packs. When a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of back up for the prior service pack or original release. Unlike service packs that are typically a collection of fixes, Windows eight.1 has new features and enhancements, and was designed to give customers the ability to deploy this update similar to service packs. Therefore nosotros are applying the service pack policy to Windows viii.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows eight and existing Windows Store apps volition piece of work with Windows 8.1. Business organization customers who had Software Assurance licensing received Windows 8.1 equally a free update.

Windows Embedded

How does the end of back up for Windows XP impact Windows Embedded products?

Windows Embedded products have their own distinct lifecycles, based on when the production was released and made generally available. Information technology is important for businesses to understand the support implications for these products to ensure that systems remain up-to-date and secure. The post-obit Windows Embedded products are based on Windows XP:

  • Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems. This production is identical to Windows XP, and Extended Support ended on April eight, 2014.

  • Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3 (SP3). This is the original toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2002, and Extended Back up concluded on January 12, 2016.

  • Windows Embedded for Signal of Service SP3. This production is for employ in point of sale devices. It's built from Windows XP Embedded. Information technology was originally released in 2005, and Extended Support ended on Apr 12, 2016.

  • Windows Embedded Standard 2009. This production is an updated release of the toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2008, and Extended Support ended on January 8, 2019.

  • Windows Embedded POSReady 2009. This product for point of sale devices reflects the updates available in Windows Embedded Standard 2009. It was originally released on 2009, and extended back up ended on April ix, 2019.

Why does back up for Windows XP Professional person for Embedded Systems stop with Windows XP?

Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is a specially licensed version of Windows XP Professional person for industry devices, delivering the full features and functionality of Windows XP. Given this relationship, both operating systems followed the aforementioned release schedule and share the same timeline.

Why was Windows XP Embedded be supported for ii years longer than Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems?

XP Embedded is a modular course of Windows XP, with boosted functionality to back up the needs of industry devices. It was released separately from Windows XP and provides a separate support lifecycle to accost the unique needs of industry devices. Devices running Windows XP Embedded reached cease of support in 2016.

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Embedded 8.ane products?

Windows Embedded viii.ane falls under the same lifecycle policy every bit Windows Embedded 8 with support ending vii/xi/2023. Customers accept 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8.1 to remain supported. This applies to Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise and Manufacture Pro.

What is the divergence in the Extended Back up stage for Windows Embedded products versus regular Windows products?

The blazon of support provided in the Extended Back up phase is consequent 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 back up?

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 (as well known as Skylake) released in late 2015?

Windows seven and eight.1 Devices Supported Skylake devices will receive applicative Windows security updates through the finish of support. These systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support afterward the period ends. Search here to see your product's end of support dates.

Windows Embedded 7, 8, and eight.1 Skylake devices running Windows Embedded 7, eight, and 8.1 will exist supported co-ordinate to the lifecycle support policy for those products. During this supported menses, these systems should exist upgraded to Windows 10 to go on receiving support after the menstruation ends. There is no supported device list for Windows Embedded.

Windows Server The Windows Server platform is supported on certified or logoed hardware every bit listed in the Windows Server Catalog. Today, you can scan the itemize 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 tin can be certified. We allow new systems to be submitted for certification up to the bespeak when the OS transitions to extended support.

Where tin can I larn more?

To place what generation of processor you have, see Intel'south page on processor numbers. To see if your processor supports Windows 10, run across Intel's Product Specification folio. Go here to learn more almost the latest processor requirements for all Windows products. To find your Windows product end of back up appointment, search the Production Lifecycle site.

Windows RT

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows RT?

Microsoft will brand software updates, including security updates, available for Windows RT. Search here for your specific product and its respective Lifecycle Policy.

What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Office Habitation and Student 2013 RT, the version of Office available on Windows RT?

Microsoft Office Dwelling and Student 2013 RT has the same lifecycle policy as Windows RT.

How long volition Microsoft support device hardware that runs Windows RT?

Delight refer to hardware warranties for more information. More than details can be institute in the Hardware FAQ.

Windows Mobile

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile?

Become here to learn about the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile.

Alter Log

Oct 2020 edits
UPDATED the Windows viii.1 section.

June 2021 edits
ADDED the Windows 11 section.

Oct 2021 edits
UPDATED the Windows 11 department.

Nov 2021 edits
UPDATED the Windows 10 section.