New versions of Windows 11 will be released once per year. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft. New versions of Windows 10 also called feature updates will be released twice a year for Windows 10 via the Semi-Annual Channel. As of September 6, , 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. 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 Express 3. On devices that do not defer the installation of feature updates, the subsequent Semi-Annual 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 10 4. 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. 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.
To learn more, go here. Customers are required to move to a supported version feature update to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes. To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 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.
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows Server. 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.
Windows 8. With the general availability of Windows 8. Historically, Microsoft has taken a similar support approach related to service packs. When a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original release. Unlike service packs that are typically a collection of fixes, Windows 8.
Therefore we are applying the service pack policy to Windows 8. Business customers who had Software Assurance licensing received Windows 8. Windows Embedded products have their own distinct lifecycles, based on when the product was released and made generally available. It is important for businesses to understand the support implications for these products to ensure that systems remain up-to-date and secure. This is the original toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP.
It was originally released in , and Extended Support ended on January 12, This product is for use in point of sale devices. It's built from Windows XP Embedded. It was originally released in , and Extended Support ended on April 12, Windows Embedded Standard This product is an updated release of the toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP.
It was originally released in , and Extended Support ended on January 8, This product for point of sale devices reflects the updates available in Windows Embedded Standard It was originally released on , and extended support ended on April 9, Given this relationship, both operating systems followed the same release schedule and share the same timeline. XP Embedded is a modular form of Windows XP, with additional functionality to support the needs of industry devices.
It was released separately from Windows XP and provides a separate support lifecycle to address the unique needs of industry devices. Devices running Windows XP Embedded reached end of support in Windows Embedded 8. Customers have 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8. 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. Windows products will be supported for security, reliability, and compatibility on the latest silicon available at the time of release.
For individuals seeking enhanced security and performance in and outside the office, there is Windows 10 in S mode. Windows 10 in S mode keeps you running fast and more secure day in and day out, by only using verified apps from the Microsoft Store. OneDrive can automatically keep the two versions in sync as changes are made. Note: these instructions are designed for Windows 7 users. The OneDrive client came with Windows 8 so users with Windows 8 and 8. Head to aka. If you're moving to a new Windows 10 PC, you can easily move your Internet Explorer favorites with you.
These instructions will guide you through moving IE favorites onto Microsoft Edge, the faster, safer way to get things done on the internet.
However, it also includes Microsoft Edge, the safer, faster browser designed specifically for Windows Does Windows 10 support the use of a digital pen or stylus? Windows 10 features our innovative and responsive Windows Ink technology that empowers you with a pen that flows as fast as your ideas. Draw, take notes, navigate, and doodle: tap into your creative potential and power productivity with Windows Ink.
Windows Ink is only available on pen-capable tablets and PCs. The digital pen may be sold separately. Unlock your Windows 10 device with our password-free sign-in capability, Windows Hello.
Use your face, fingerprint, or companion device 2 to unlock your Windows 10 computer in the fastest, most secure way. On devices that support Windows Hello, users can automatically bypass the login screen without typing a password. How will the end of support for Windows 7 affect my Microsoft Office apps?
Your experience may be different depending on the Office version you're running. To learn more, see Windows 7 end of support and Office. After January 14, , if your PC is running Windows 7, it will no longer receive security updates. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to a new device with Windows 10 preinstalled, which, among other benefits, can provide the latest security features and updates to help keep you and your data safer.
As part of our standard lifecycle support policies, Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, If I buy a new PC with Windows 10, how long will it be supported?
Windows 10 is designed to have updates delivered continuously, so as long as your PCs hardware takes any updates provided, you will remain supported. For more details including limitations to the timeline, please see this Windows 10 lifecycle policy page. You can continue to use Windows 7, but after support has ended, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Windows will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive security or other updates from Microsoft. Have more questions? Get information about end of support for Windows 7. Support for Windows 7 has ended After 10 years, support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, What does end of support mean? Need help transitioning your business to Windows 10? NEW What can I do now? Check out the latest PCs Not only are new modern PCs fast thanks to solid state drives and durable with batteries that last longer, the average price for a great PC is considerably less than it was years ago.
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Check out a variety of Windows 10 computers from our valued retail partners Shop now. Will my Windows 7 computer stop working? How do I get Windows 10? Can I upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free? Why should I consider a new computer? Checkout these innovative new features available with Windows 10 on a new device: Newer PC hardware that is faster, more capable, and more compatible with the latest industry technology. To help you keep your device secure, you can take advantage of the latest security capabilities: Get built-in security at no extra cost.
Your Windows device comes with built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.
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