Windows Client OS Roadmap

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology... 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 Overview

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).

Originally, Microsoft delivered one Windows version (Feature Update) per year via the General Availability Channel (GAC). Supported Windows client OS versions got monthly security updates (on the second Tuesday, sometimes called “Patch Tuesday”, and monthly quality updates (bug fixes). Since 2021, however, Microsoft has been shipping code for new features in monthly updates to speed distribution of new versions and features.

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