Once a product reaches the end of support, or a service retires, there will be no new security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support. Customers are encouraged to migrate to the latest version of the product or service. Paid programs may be available for applicable products.
Most commercial products and services are governed by either the Fixed Policy or the Modern Policy, which determines support and servicing timelines.
- Modern Policy. A continuous support and servicing model. Customers must take the latest update to remain supported. Products and services will provide a minimum of 12 months' notice prior to retirement.
- Fixed Policy. Have published end of support dates at the time of launch. These products typically have 5 years of mainstream support followed by 5 years of extended support (exceptions may apply).
- When a product reaches the end of the mainstream support phase, customers will no longer be able to receive non-security updates or make requests to change product design and features.
- When a product reaches the end of the extended support phase, the product has reached the end of support.
- Service Packs. For Fixed Policy products, customers are required to move to the latest service pack to remain in support. When a new service pack is released, customers will be supported on the prior service pack for 12 or 24 months to allow time to move to the latest service pack.
For customers requiring more time to move to the latest product, the Extended Security Update (ESU) program is available for certain legacy products as a last resort option. The ESU program provides security updates only for up to 3 years, after the End of Support date. Contact your account manager, partner or device manufacturer for more information.
Source: Overview - Product end of support - Microsoft Lifecycle
