Windows Client OS Roadmap

by
Rob Helm

by
Rob Helm

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration services and client software. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s... more

Windows generally refers to Microsoft’s family of OSs. The Windows client OS runs on devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and all-in-one devices to allow a user to access productivity and other applications. 

Product: Windows client OS product

Licensing: Windows Client OS Edition Packaging 

Servicing and Support

The Windows client OS follows Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle. This Modern Lifecycle only provides support for current versions of software or online services. As shown in fig. 1, under the current Modern Lifecycle, Windows client OS Enterprise and Education versions qualify for 36 months (about three years).  Combinations of Windows, Office, and Office 365 each have their own end-of-support dates, and most organizations require a supported Windows 11 version to retain support for them (see the chart “Windows and Office Supportability Matrix”).

The General Availability Channel (GAC) typically delivers new versions (called feature updates) once a year, although two versions are coming in 2026. Long-Term Service Branch (LTSB) and Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC) versions deliver only security and quality updates during their lifetimes, not new features. They cannot run some Microsoft Office applications and have other limitations, but customers use long-term versions for specialized devices (such as mobile data terminals or kiosks) and for devices that must be audited and re-certified after changes.