Windows Life-Cycle Policy
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 advanced 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 products.
Product Life-Cycle Information for:
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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 30, 2001 | November 30, 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, 20031 |
Windows 98 SE | June 30, 1999 | June 30, 2002 | March 31, 20041 |
Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) | December 31, 2000 | December 31, 2003 | June 30, 2004 |
Windows 2000 Professional | March 31, 2000 | March 31, 2004 | March 31, 2005 |
Windows XP Professional | December 31, 2001 | June 30, 2008 | January 31, 2009 |
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition | February 11, 2003 | June 30, 2008 | January 31, 2009 |
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition | April 25, 2005 | June 30, 2008 | January 31, 2009 |
Windows XP Home Edition | December 31, 2001 | June 30, 20083 | January 31, 2009 |
Windows XP Media Center Edition2 | October 28, 2002 | June 30, 2008 | January 31, 2009 |
1 In the US and Canada only: System Builder License Availability end dates are June 30, 2003 for Windows 98 and September 30, 2003 for Windows 98 SE.
2 Includes the 2002, 2004, and 2005 editions of Windows Media Center.
3 As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP Home Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general availability of the next version of Windows.
Windows Service Pack Roadmap
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 Roadmap Web page. Visit the Supported Service Pack list to find the support timelines for a particular product’s service pack.