The information on this page was extracted from the Microsoft Windows Life-Cycle Policy site.

Microsoft's Policy for Windows Life-Cycle Support

On October 15, 2002, Microsoft announced a new support life-cycle policy. This consistent and predictable policy is designed to standardize support guidelines across product lines and will cover most products currently available via retail purchase or volume licensing and future release products.

Product life-cycle policies provide advance notification of planned changes in product availability and support. This information helps customers and partners with product planning and information technology decisions.

The links on this page provide access to specific information about Windows Operating Systems.

For more information about Microsoft product life cycles visit the Microsoft Windows Life-Cycle Policy site.

Windows Desktop License Availability

Under the Support Lifecycle policy, Windows desktop licenses are available for four years after general availability in all standard product distribution channels (e.g., direct OEM, System Builders, retail, and Volume Licensing programs via licenses or via downgrade rights). Licenses will continue to be available through downgrade rights available in Volume Licensing programs after end of general availability.

License Availability Roadmap

Desktop Operating Systems	Date of General Availability	Direct OEM and Retail License Availability (end date)	System Builder License Availability (end date)
MS DOS 6.xx	June 1, 1994	November 31, 2001	November 31, 2001
Windows 95	August 15, 1995	December 31, 2000	December 31, 2001
Windows NT Workstation 4.xx	July 29, 1996	June 30, 2002	June 30, 2003
Windows 98	June 30, 1998	June 30, 2002	November 30, 2003 *
Windows 98 SE	June 30, 1999	June 30, 2002	March 31, 2004 *
Windows Millennium Edition	December 31, 2000	December 31, 2003	June 30, 2004
Windows 2000 Professional	March 31, 2000	March 31, 2004	March 31, 2005
Windows XP	December 31, 2001	June 30, 2008	January 31, 2009
Windows Vista	November 17, 2006	January 30, 2007	unknown

* In the US and Canada, System Builder License Availability end dates are June 30, 2003, for Windows 98, and September 30, 2003, for Windows 98 SE.

Windows Service Pack Road Map

Microsoft continually works to improve its software. As part of this effort, we develop updates and fixes to recognized issues and release them for customers. On a regular basis, we combine many of these fixes into a single package and make the package available for installation. These packages are called Service Packs. Based on feedback from customers and partners, Microsoft is committed to providing a 12-month roadmap of upcoming service packs and security rollup packages on the Windows Service Pack Road Map Web page. Visit the Supported Service Pack list to find the support timelines for a particular product's service pack.

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Last Reviewed: Wednesday, 20-Feb-2008 15:06:47 EST by Software_Services