What is the difference between Windows mainstream support and extended support?

What does it mean when Microsoft says it won't support your version of Windows anymore? Find out the difference between mainstream and extended support, and how it's changed with Windows 10.

Here we explain the difference between mainstream support and extended support, something which affects Windows operating systems.

What is the difference between Windows Mainstream Support and Extended Support?

           Mainstream support and extended support define the amount of time Microsoft gives for its Windows operating systems – essentially, expiration dates.

          When your computer’s operating system is within the mainstream support period, it means Microsoft is still taking care of that version. By taking care, we mean providing security updates for any bugs that emerge, releasing design changes and warranty claims.

Microsoft usually ends mainstream support five years after the release of an operating system, which then pushes it into extended support. This period usually runs for another five years too, but you get less support. Essentially it means the company stops adding new features and ends complimentary support for that version of Windows. But it still provides bug fixes and patches.

This chart shows where operating systems from Windows XP up to Windows 10 stand (dates in red indicate an expired support deadline):

Client Operating System	Latest Update or 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	January 13, 2015	January 14, 2020
Windows 8	Windows 8.1	January 9, 2018	January 10, 2023
Windows 10**	Service updates provided every March and September	N/A	N/A

** Windows 10 saw Microsoft move to the Modern Lifecycle Policy. This provides continuous service and support to the end of the product's life, with updates up to twice a year instead of the Service Packs provided in earlier operating systems.