Blog Post Outline
I. Introduction
A. What is the Windows Lifecycle?
II. Understanding the Windows Lifecycle
A. Windows 10
B. Windows 7
C. Windows 8.1
III. The Phases of the Windows Lifecycle
A. Mainstream Support
B. Extended Support
C. End of Support
IV. What to Do When Support Ends
A. Upgrade
B. Buy a Long Term Servicing Branch
C. Use Third-Party Support
V. Conclusion
A. Benefits of Staying Up-to-Date
B. Managing the Windows Lifecycle
Introduction
The Windows lifecycle refers to the amount of time each major version of the Windows operating system receives technical support and security updates from Microsoft. It is important for all Windows users to understand the lifecycle to ensure their operating system is up-to-date and secure. In this post, we will discuss the different phases of the Windows lifecycle and what to do when support ends.
Understanding the Windows Lifecycle
There are three main versions of the Windows operating system that are currently supported: Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. Each of these versions has its own lifecycle, with different start and end dates for mainstream and extended support.
Windows 10
Windows 10 was released in July 2015 and is the most recent version of the Windows operating system. It is currently in mainstream support and will remain in mainstream support until October 2020. After that, extended support will last until October 2025.
Windows 7
Windows 7 was released in October 2009 and is currently in extended support. It will remain in extended support until January 14, 2020. After that, it will no longer receive any security updates from Microsoft.
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 was released in October 2013 and is currently in mainstream support. It will remain in mainstream support until January 10, 2023. After that, extended support will last until January 10, 2028.
The Phases of the Windows Lifecycle
The Windows lifecycle is divided into three distinct phases: mainstream support, extended support, and end of support. Each phase has its own set of benefits and limitations.
Mainstream Support
Mainstream support is the initial phase of the Windows lifecycle. During this phase, Microsoft will provide technical support and security updates for the operating system. This is the best time to use a Windows version, as it will be up-to-date and secure.
Extended Support
Extended support is the second phase of the Windows lifecycle. During this phase, Microsoft will continue to provide technical support, but no new features or security updates will be released. This is still a good time to use a Windows version, as it will remain secure, but users should be aware that the operating system is no longer being updated.
End of Support
End of support is the final phase of the Windows lifecycle. During this phase, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security updates for the operating system. This is not a good time to use a Windows version, as it will be vulnerable to security threats and will not receive any updates.
What to Do When Support Ends
When a version of Windows reaches the end of its support, there are three main options for users: upgrade, buy a long-term servicing branch, or use third-party support.
Upgrade
The best option for most users is to upgrade to the latest version of Windows. This will ensure their operating system is up-to-date and secure.
Buy a Long Term Servicing Branch
For users who cannot upgrade, Microsoft offers a long-term servicing branch (LTSB) of Windows 10. This is a version of Windows 10 that is not updated with new features, but will still receive security updates until the end of its support.
Use Third-Party Support
Finally, users can also use third-party support to receive security updates for their version of Windows. While this is not recommended, it is an option for users who cannot upgrade or buy an LTSB.
Conclusion
Understanding the Windows lifecycle is important for all Windows users. It is important to stay up-to-date and secure, and managing the Windows lifecycle is the best way to do that. By understanding the different phases of the Windows lifecycle, users can make sure their operating system is up-to-date and secure.
