Bootcamp, which comes standard with the Mac Operating System, allows you to select which operating system you want to use at startup. Whether you’d like to use Windows for the apps, to play a PC game, or to run professional software that is not Mac compatible, Windows 10 for Mac computers will provide you with everything you need. Now the downloading process will start, and it will take time according to your internet speed. After the downloading is complete, you will get the ISO file of Windows 10, and now you need to burn that ISO file on the DVD and for that first download and install Windows USB/DVD Download Tool. Windows 13 was the successor of Windows 12. It was released on May 11, 2027 and the Codenameis 'Bluestone'. Windows 13 Starter Windows 13 Home Windows 13 Professional Windows 13 Enterprise Windows Server 2027. Windows NT 4.0 Embedded – Abbreviated NTe, it is an edition of Windows NT 4.0 that was aimed at computer-powered major appliances, vending machines, ATMs and other devices that cannot be considered computers per se. It is the same system as the standard Windows NT 4.0, but it comes packaged in a database of components and dependencies, from.
Originally published: July 26, 2016
Updated: October 14, 2020
Please go here to search for your product's lifecycle.
On this page:
Windows - General
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?
Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel are governed by the Modern Policy. Other Windows products are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. 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 and security issue resolutions but includes no new features.
A Windows feature update is an update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.
Go here for more information on these terms.
If I obtained Windows when I purchased a new device, who provides support?
If you have a valid Windows license, you are eligible for support from Microsoft, subject to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy and the support terms and conditions that were in place 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-help support content in addition to paid technical help offerings. If you acquired your Windows operating system through an OEM, you may also contact your OEM for more information about the support offerings for Windows operating systems from that OEM.
Can I use 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 about these rights, review the downgrade rights licensing brief. Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please 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’s (OEM) support period.
When a Windows operating system (OS) reaches the end of its lifecycle or is no longer supported, does that mean new programs will not run on that OS?
Once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive security updates. The OS may still work with programs and hardware after the sale or support of the operating system has been discontinued. 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.
Windows 10
What is the servicing timeline for a version (feature update) of Windows 10?
New versions of Windows 10 (also called feature updates) will be released twice a year for Windows 10 via the Semi-Annual Channel. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.
As of September 6, 2018, 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.
Edition | Servicing timeline | Servicing timeline |
Windows 10 Enterprise | 18 months from release date | 30 months from release date |
Windows 10 Pro | 18 months from release date | |
1Home edition 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 date shown.
What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channels?
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.
Windows 10 quality updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the quality updates preceding it.
What are my installation options for Windows 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 Express1.
If needed, customers may defer semi-annual Feature Updates via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options or via an organization's device management policies.
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 versions of Windows 102. 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 manufacturer’s (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.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).
1As of April 9th, 2019 Delta Updates are no longer be available. To learn more, go here.
2Windows 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-service date shown.
What happened to the End 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 apply to Semi-Annual Channels, as each Semi-Annual Channel will be serviced (receive monthly quality updates) for a limited time. Customers are required to move to a supported version (feature update) to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes.
What are the requirements for servicing and updating the Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)?
The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed to be used only for specialized devices - for example, those that control 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 2016 (LTSC) and Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel)?
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 it.
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 beginning with Windows Server 2012. 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. As a component, WSUS follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed – Windows Server (the parent product).
Windows 8.1
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows 8.1?
Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported.
Why were Windows 8 customers required to move to Windows 8.1 two years after the general availability?
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 8.1 has new features and enhancements, and was designed to give customers the ability to deploy this update similar to service packs. Therefore we are applying the service pack policy to Windows 8.1.
Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. Business customers who had Software Assurance licensing received Windows 8.1 as a free update.
Windows Embedded
How does the end of support for Windows XP impact Windows Embedded products?
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. The following Windows Embedded products are based on Windows XP:
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Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems. This product is identical to Windows XP, and Extended Support ended on April 8, 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 Support ended on January 12, 2016.
Windows Embedded for Point of Service SP3. This product is for use in point of sale devices. It's built from Windows XP Embedded. It was originally released in 2005, and Extended Support ended on April 12, 2016.
Windows Embedded Standard 2009. This product 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 support ended on April 9, 2019.
Why does support for Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems end with Windows XP?
Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is a specially licensed version of Windows XP Professional for industry devices, delivering the full features and functionality of Windows XP. Given this relationship, both operating systems followed the same release schedule and share the same timeline.
Why was Windows XP Embedded be supported for two years longer than Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems?
Windows 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 2016.
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Embedded 8.1 products?
Windows Embedded 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows Embedded 8 with support ending 7/11/2023. Customers have 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8.1 to remain supported. This applies to Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise and Industry Pro.
What is the difference in the Extended Support phase for Windows Embedded products versus regular Windows products?
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. For Embedded products, these updates will continue to be made available through the usual channels of MyOEM, Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU) and Microsoft OEM Online (MOO), as well as through Microsoft Update for the point of sale systems.
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Windows Silicon Policy
What is the Windows policy for silicon support?
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 (also known as Skylake) released in late 2015?
Windows 7 and 8.1 Devices
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Supported Skylake devices will receive applicable Windows security updates through the end of support. These systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. Search here to see your product's end of support dates.
Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1
Skylake devices running Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1 will be supported according to the lifecycle support policy for those products. During this supported period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. There is no supported device list for Windows Embedded.
Windows Server
The Windows Server platform is supported on certified or logoed hardware as listed in the Windows Server Catalog. Today, you can browse the catalog 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 can be certified. We allow new systems to be submitted for certification up to the point when the OS transitions to extended support.
Where can I learn more?
To identify what generation of processor you have, see Intel's page on processor numbers. To see if your processor supports Windows 10, see Intel's Product Specification page. Go here to learn more about the latest processor requirements for all Windows products. To find your Windows product end of support date, search the Product Lifecycle site.
Windows RT
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What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows RT?
Microsoft will make software updates, including security updates, available for Windows RT. Search here for your specific product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy.
What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, the version of Office available on Windows RT?
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT has the same lifecycle policy as Windows RT.
How long will Microsoft support device hardware that runs Windows RT?
Windows 13 Os Update
Please refer to hardware warranties for more information. More details can be found in the Hardware FAQ.
Windows Mobile
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile?
Go here to learn about the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile.
Change Log
October 2020 edits
UPDATED the Windows 8.1 section.