By design, Microsoft’s operating systems aren’t built to last forever. Due to the fact that technology is always changing, new operating systems with better security and improved capabilities are routinely needed. Microsoft gets users to transition from an older OS to a newer one by ending support for the older one. This begs the question, how long until Microsoft pulls the plug on your OS?
Before we provide you with a list of expiration dates, we first must clarify the difference between Microsoft ending mainstream support of an OS vs. ending its extended support. Think of it like this, instead of Microsoft abruptly pulling the plug on a widely used OS, they will instead phase it out with two end-of-support dates which are generally five years apart. Here’s the difference between the two dates:
Now that you have a grasp on the different kinds of support provided and taken away by Microsoft, here’s the list of end-of-support dates that you came here for:
End of Support for Windows Operating Systems
Now, just because you’re running an OS that’s currently supported by Microsoft, doesn’t mean that your system is up to snuff. Microsoft only sends you the Windows updates and security patches; it’s up to you to apply them. If you don’t, then you’re leaving your system vulnerable.
It’s easy enough to apply Windows updates for your home PC, but it’s another thing entirely to apply Windows updates across all of your company’s workstations and server units, and verify that they’ve been applied correctly. Generally speaking, you will want an IT professional to assist you with this so that an update doesn’t interfere with a mission-critical application and cause downtime.
For assistance with all of your upgrading needs, give The Connection, Inc a call at (732) 291-5938.
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