Windows support dates

That gives you about four years to prepare as Microsoft slowly moves its billion-plus Windows users to Windows The company's new OS will continue the Windows 11 rollout through mid You can expect a brand-new design that borrows a Mac-like look and includes updated features. For instance, the Windows Start Menu gets a refresh that moves it to a different place on the screen and a few productivity features that can help with multitasking.

There's also a change to make Android apps more readily available on Windows 11 coming soon. Read more: Windows 11 is familiar but fresh. As many people prepare to update their Windows laptops and desktops to the latest software, what happens to PCs still running Windows 10 in ? We'll explain. And here are some big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 that you can look forward to. This story was recently updated. As it did with Windows 7 in January , Microsoft will pull active support for Windows 10 in You'll still be able to use the software, but you won't get any more security updates.

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.

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. There are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows Devices that don't meet these requirements might not be able to install Windows Go here for Windows 11 requirements.

Note that devices must be running Windows 10 , version or later, to upgrade via Windows Update. 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 Update , feature updates will be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel.

Go here to learn more. 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 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 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. 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. 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. You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in.

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