Link
Microsoft Support Lifecycle | Server products
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/products/lifecycle
End of sales
End of sales refers to the date when a particular version of Windows is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Examples of OEMS are Dell and Toshiba—PC manufacturers who often preinstall Windows software. When a version of Windows reaches its end of sales date, it’s a good time to think about upgrading.
This table gives end of sales dates for specific Windows operating systems.
| Desktop operating systems | Date of general availability | Retail software end of sales * | End of sales for PCs with Windows preinstalled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | December 31, 2001 | June 30, 2008 | October 22, 2010 |
| Windows Vista | January 30, 2007 | October 22, 2010 | October 22, 2011 |
| Windows 7 | October 22, 2009 | To be determined | To be determined |
End of support
End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. For more information go to Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
| Desktop operating systems | Latest service pack | End of mainstream support | End of extended support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | Service Pack 3 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 |
| Windows Vista | Service Pack 2 | April 10, 2012 | April 11, 2017 |
| Windows 7 | Service Pack 1 | To be determined | Not applicable |