Windows 7 support ended on January 14, 2020

Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. This 10-year period has now ended, and Microsoft has discontinued Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 was January 14, 2020. Technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC are no longer available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.

After January 14, 2020, PCs running Windows 7 no longer receive security updates. Therefore, it’s important that you upgrade to a modern operating system such as Windows 10, which can provide the latest security updates to help keep you and your data safer. In addition, Microsoft customer service is no longer available to provide Windows 7 technical support. Related services for Windows 7 are also also being discontinued over time. For example, certain games such as Internet Backgammon and Internet Checkers as well as Electronic Program Guide for Windows Media Center are scheduled to be discontinued in January 2020.

For most Windows 7 users, moving to a new device with Windows 10 is the recommended path forward. Today’s PCs are faster, lightweight yet powerful, and more secure, with an average price that’s considerably less than that of the average PC eight years ago. Our Guide can help you choose a new PC in just a few easy steps.

To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10. As an alternative, compatible Windows 7 PCs can be upgraded by purchasing and installing a full version of the software.

Download the Guide to Windows 10 app to learn if your PC can be upgraded and to compare your options for moving to Windows 10. Get the Guide to Windows 10 app

*This app is for Windows 7 only

The Windows 10 free upgrade offer ended on July 29, 2016. To get Windows 10 you will need to either purchase a new device or, if you have a compatible PC, purchase a full version of the software to upgrade your existing device. We recommend that you don’t install Windows 10 on an older device, as some Windows 7 devices are not compatible with Windows 10 or could experience reduced feature availability.

If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

Windows 7 can still be installed and activated after end of support; however, it will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses due to the lack of security updates. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft strongly recommends that you use Windows 10 instead of Windows 7.

Support for Internet Explorer on a Windows 7 device was also discontinued on January 14, 2020. As a component of Windows, Internet Explorer follows the support lifecycle of the Windows operating system it’s installed on. See Lifecycle FAQ – Internet Explorer for more information.

We recommend you use the new Microsoft Edge. The new Microsoft Edge was built to bring you the best of the web, with more control and more privacy as you browse.

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) will continue to receive signature updates after January 14, 2020. However, the MSE platform is no longer being updated. Click here to learn more about learn more about Microsoft Security Essentials.

If you are using Windows as part of a work environment, we recommend you check first with your IT department or see Windows 10 deployment support to learn more.

Windows for embedded devices such as ATMs or gas pumps have lifecycle dates that sometimes differ from versions of Windows that are used on PC devices.

For the best possible experience, we recommend doing a fresh installation of your programs and apps on your new Windows 10 PC. Microsoft Store has a variety of third-party apps that can be easily downloaded and installed. On your Windows 10 PC, you can open Microsoft Store by selecting the icon on the taskbar or by searching for «Microsoft Store» in the search box on the taskbar.

For any software not currently available in Microsoft Store, we recommend going to that company’s official website and downloading the Windows 10 version from there. In limited circumstances, some older software may not have an updated version that’s compatible with Windows 10.

Your experience may be different depending on the Office version you’re running. To learn more, see Windows 7 end of support and Office. It’s important to note that Windows 7 itself no longer receives security updates, leaving your device vulnerable to security threats. As such, if you’re running Microsoft Office on a Windows 7 PC, we recommend you move to a new Windows 10 PC.

Support for Windows 7 came to an end on January 14, 2020. You are receiving notifications as a Windows 7 customer to remind you that your device is no longer supported and no longer receiving security updates. We recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10. More information on the notification is available here.

Stay protected with Windows 10

Considering a move to Windows 10? Download the Guide to Windows 10 app to explore your options for making the move and get personalized recommendations for your PC.

Microsoft Edge supported Operating Systems

This article describes the supported operating systems that apply to Microsoft Edge.

This article applies to the Microsoft Edge versions 77 and higher for the desktop.

Supported Operating Systems for Microsoft Edge

Product functionality and feature availability may vary on older operating systems. To ensure that Microsoft Edge installs correctly, use the latest version of any operating system specified below. This guidance includes the latest cumulative update, as applicable.

Microsoft Edge follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy and is supported on the following operating systems.

Windows Client

• Windows 7 **
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10 SAC 1709 and later ***
• Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSC
• Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSC
• Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC
• Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC ****
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC ****

Windows Server

• Windows Server 2008 R2 **
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2016 (LTSC)
• Windows Server 2019 (LTSC)
• Windows Server (SAC)

** We will continue to support Microsoft Edge on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 until January 15, 2022. These operating systems are out of support and Microsoft recommends you move to a supported operating system such as Windows 10. While Microsoft Edge helps keep you more secure on the web, your PC may still be vulnerable to security risks. In order for IE mode to be supported on these operating systems the devices will need to have the Extended Security Updates for Windows 7. Without the Windows 7 Extended Security updates Internet Explorer functionality will be vulnerable to security risks. Additionally, IE mode functionality may cease to work without the continued servicing through the extended security updates.

*** In the same fashion as above, for Windows 10 SAC releases that are out of support but Microsoft Edge is supported it is recommended to upgrade to a supported Win10 SAC release as soon as possible to remain secure. Microsoft Edge being supported in this state should be considered a temporary bridge to getting to a supported OS state.

**** The Microsoft Edge OPK is available on MOO for IoT OEMs to preinstall and distribute as part of their Windows 10 IoT Enterprise based solution.

macOS

Microsoft Edge for iPadВ® and iPhoneВ® requires iOS 11.0 or later. Microsoft Edge for iPad Proв„ў requires iOS 11.0 or later. Microsoft Edge is supported on the two most recent versions of iOS. When a new version of iOS is released, the Microsoft Edge Operating System requirement becomes the then-current two most recent versions: the new version of iOS and the previous version.

Android

Microsoft Edge for Android can be installed on tablets and phones that meet the following criteria: devices running Android KitKat 4.4 or later with an ARM-based processor.

Apple Silicon Macs

Microsoft Edge native support as of Stable version 88 for Apple Silicon Macs.

Chromebooks

Microsoft Edge does not support Chromebooks.

Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Find operating system info in Windows 10

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

Here’s how to learn more:

Select the Start button > Settings > System > About .

Under Device specifications > System type, see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Under Windows specifications, check which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate in Windows 10.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

If your device is running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, here’s how to learn more:

If you’re using a touch device, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. Continue to step 3.

If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.

Select PC and devices > PC info.

Under Windows you’ll see which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Under PC > System type you’ll see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 7

Select the Start button, type Computer in the search box, right-click on Computer, and then select Properties.

Under Windows edition, you’ll see the version and edition of Windows that your device is running.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Lifecycle FAQ — Windows

Originally published: July 26, 2016
Updated: April 6, 2021

Please go here to search for your product’s lifecycle.

Windows — General

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?

Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel are governed by the Modern Policy. Other Windows products are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Search for the product lifecycle for your specific Windows product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy and end-of-support dates.

What is the difference between a Windows quality update and a Windows feature update?

A Windows quality update is an incremental update to Windows products that includes bug fixes and security issue resolutions but includes no new features.

A Windows feature update is an update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.

Go here for more information on these terms.

If I obtained Windows when I purchased a new device, who provides support?

If you have a valid Windows license, you are eligible for support from Microsoft, subject to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy and the support terms and conditions that were in place at the time of purchase. If you acquired your Windows operating system through the Microsoft Volume Licensing program or from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Microsoft offers access to a wealth of online self-help support content in addition to paid technical help offerings. If you acquired your Windows operating system through an OEM, you may also contact your OEM for more information about the support offerings for Windows operating systems from that OEM.

Can I use prior versions of Windows on a device running a newer version?

To use prior versions of Windows on devices currently running a newer version, it is possible for customers to obtain a license for downgrade rights. These downgrade rights will vary depending on whether the software was acquired via Volume Licensing, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or Full Packaged Product (FPP). To learn more about these rights, review the downgrade rights licensing brief. Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please see Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. A device may not be able to run prior versions of Windows if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, or is otherwise outside of the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) support period.

When a Windows operating system (OS) reaches the end of its lifecycle or is no longer supported, does that mean new programs will not run on that OS?

Once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive security updates. The OS may still work with programs and hardware after the sale or support of the operating system has been discontinued. However, the possibility increases that new programs and hardware will not be performant on an older OS. This frequently occurs because the manufacturers of new hardware and software make product-design decisions that take advantage of the increased functionality and features in newer operating systems. These manufacturers may decide to discontinue support of their products on older operating systems as appropriate.

Windows 10

What is the servicing timeline for a version (feature update) of Windows 10?

New versions of Windows 10 (also called feature updates) will be released twice a year for Windows 10 via the Semi-Annual Channel. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.

As of September 6, 2018, we have evolved our servicing timeline for customers who need more time to test and deploy Windows 10 feature updates. Supported versions will be serviced via monthly quality updates.

Edition

Servicing timeline
Released first half of year (H1)

Servicing timeline
Released second half of year (H2)

Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Education
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

18 months from release date

30 months from release date

Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro Education
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
Windows 10 Home 1

18 months from release date

1 Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.

What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channels?

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.

Windows 10 quality updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the quality updates preceding it.

What are my installation options for Windows updates?

It is highly recommended that customers install the latest feature update to stay up to date with the latest security updates, as well as to continue receiving future feature updates, with less impact on IT processes and infrastructure.

To help reduce the burden on network bandwidth, Microsoft designed two different update types: Full and Express 1 .

If needed, customers may defer semi-annual Feature Updates via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options or via an organization’s device management policies.

On devices that do not defer the installation of feature updates, the subsequent Semi-Annual Channel version of Windows 10 may be automatically offered and installed prior to the end date. Update deferral is not available for all versions of Windows 10 2 . Please see Windows as a Service (WaaS) for information on release channels and the Windows 10 release information page for additional update details.

Not all features in a feature update will be available on all devices. Similarly, a device may not be able to receive updates if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, lacks sufficient storage space, or is otherwise outside the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) support period. For more information on compatibility, review the Windows 10 System Requirements as well as the Windows Processor Requirements.

Update availability may vary by country, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).

1 As of April 9th, 2019 Delta Updates are no longer be available. To learn more, go here.

2 Windows 10 Home does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-service date shown.

What happened to the End of Mainstream Support date for Windows 10 listings on the Lifecycle Product Search page?

In the Windows as a Service (WaaS) model, the concept of Mainstream Support does not apply to Semi-Annual Channels, as each Semi-Annual Channel will be serviced (receive monthly quality updates) for a limited time. Customers are required to move to a supported version (feature update) to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes.

What are the requirements for servicing and updating the Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)?

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed to be used only for specialized devices — for example, those that control medical equipment or automated teller machines (ATMs).

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.

See Overview of Windows as a Service (WaaS) for more information on release channels and the Windows 10 release info page for additional update details.

Windows Server

What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows Server 2016 (LTSC) and Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel)?

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows Server. Go here for support dates.

Updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the updates that preceded it.

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)?

Previously a standalone product, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) became a component of the Windows Server operating system beginning with Windows Server 2012. A component is defined as a set of files or features that are included with a Microsoft product, whether it is shipped with the product, included in a product service pack or update, or later made available as a web download for the product. As a component, WSUS follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed – Windows Server (the parent product).

Windows 8.1

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported.

Why were Windows 8 customers required to move to Windows 8.1 two years after the general availability?

Historically, Microsoft has taken a similar support approach related to service packs. When a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original release. Unlike service packs that are typically a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements, and was designed to give customers the ability to deploy this update similar to service packs. Therefore we are applying the service pack policy to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. Business customers who had Software Assurance licensing received Windows 8.1 as a free update.

Windows Embedded

How does the end of support for Windows XP impact Windows Embedded products?

Windows Embedded products have their own distinct lifecycles, based on when the product was released and made generally available. It is important for businesses to understand the support implications for these products to ensure that systems remain up-to-date and secure. The following Windows Embedded products are based on Windows XP:

Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems. This product is identical to Windows XP, and Extended Support ended on April 8, 2014.

Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3 (SP3). This is the original toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2002, and Extended Support ended on January 12, 2016.

Windows Embedded for Point of Service SP3. This product is for use in point of sale devices. It’s built from Windows XP Embedded. It was originally released in 2005, and Extended Support ended on April 12, 2016.

Windows Embedded Standard 2009. This product is an updated release of the toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2008, and Extended Support ended on January 8, 2019.

Windows Embedded POSReady 2009. This product for point of sale devices reflects the updates available in Windows Embedded Standard 2009. It was originally released on 2009, and extended support ended on April 9, 2019.

Why does support for Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems end with Windows XP?

Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is a specially licensed version of Windows XP Professional for industry devices, delivering the full features and functionality of Windows XP. Given this relationship, both operating systems followed the same release schedule and share the same timeline.

Why was Windows XP Embedded be supported for two years longer than Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems?

Windows XP Embedded is a modular form of Windows XP, with additional functionality to support the needs of industry devices. It was released separately from Windows XP and provides a separate support lifecycle to address the unique needs of industry devices. Devices running Windows XP Embedded reached end of support in 2016.

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Embedded 8.1 products?

Windows Embedded 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows Embedded 8 with support ending 7/11/2023. Customers have 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8.1 to remain supported. This applies to Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise and Industry Pro.

What is the difference in the Extended Support phase for Windows Embedded products versus regular Windows products?

The type of support provided in the Extended Support phase is consistent across all products. Critical security updates are made available for products until the published Extended Support end date. This allows businesses to ensure that they are up to date in protection against security attacks. Similar to Windows products, Embedded products also receive updates through Microsoft Update. No regular updates are being released for Windows Embedded products to the release channels of DPC (Device Partner Center), Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU) and Microsoft OEM Online (MOO).

Windows Silicon Policy

What is the Windows policy for silicon support?

Windows products will be supported for security, reliability, and compatibility on the latest silicon available at the time of release. This includes previous silicon generations still in support by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

What is the Windows Lifecycle policy for Intel’s sixth generation of processors (also known as Skylake) released in late 2015?

Windows 7 and 8.1 Devices

Supported Skylake devices will receive applicable Windows security updates through the end of support. These systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. Search here to see your product’s end of support dates.

Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1

Skylake devices running Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1 will be supported according to the lifecycle support policy for those products. During this supported period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. There is no supported device list for Windows Embedded.

Windows Server

The Windows Server platform is supported on certified or logoed hardware as listed in the Windows Server Catalog. Today, you can browse the catalog and find hardware that meets or exceeds our minimum server hardware requirements and has been successfully certified for supported Windows Server products. For Windows Server, the policy consists of five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support. This lifecycle impacts the timeframe for which new devices and systems can be certified. We allow new systems to be submitted for certification up to the point when the OS transitions to extended support.

Where can I learn more?

To identify what generation of processor you have, see Intel’s page on processor numbers. To see if your processor supports Windows 10, see Intel’s Product Specification page. Go here to learn more about the latest processor requirements for all Windows products. To find your Windows product end of support date, search the Product Lifecycle site.

Windows RT

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows RT?

Microsoft will make software updates, including security updates, available for Windows RT. Search here for your specific product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy.

What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, the version of Office available on Windows RT?

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT has the same lifecycle policy as Windows RT.

How long will Microsoft support device hardware that runs Windows RT?

Please refer to hardware warranties for more information. More details can be found in the Hardware FAQ.

Windows Mobile

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile?

Go here to learn about the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile.

Change Log

October 2020 edits
UPDATED the Windows 8.1 section.