Microsoft's Lifecycle Policies

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Below are links to Microsoft's Entire Lifecycle Policy Site. It goes into detail about when each product 's support ends, the length of mainstream and extended support and any updates to the policy.

Specifically for Operating Systems: Windows lifecycle fact sheet

Index of almost all products: Microsoft Lifecycle Policy

FAQ: Lifecycle FAQ

Per their sites (source below), the standard policy is 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support - provided you meet certain conditions, such as making sure you install the latest service pack and updates.

The Microsoft Business, Developer and Desktop Operating System Policy applies to most products currently available through retail purchase or volume licensing and offers a minimum of:

• Ten years of support (a minimum of five years Mainstream Support and a minimum of five years Extended Support) at the supported service pack level for business, developer, and desktop operating system products
• A minimum five years Mainstream Support at the supported service pack level for consumer and multimedia products