Updated: July 13, 2020 (September 6, 2004)

Past Windows Client Versions

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

The most recent release, Windows XP SP2, includes significant changes to improve e-mail and browser security, reduce opportunities to exploit buffer overruns and other security bugs through remote attacks, and add features such as pop-up blocking in the browser and better support for wireless protocols. The new features affect application compatibility, so SP2 requires testing comparable to an intermediate Windows release. The previous service pack, SP1a, will be fully supported until Sept. 30, 2006. Mainstream support for Windows XP will end two years after the release of the Longhorn client, implying full support through 2008.

All support for Windows NT 4.0 Workstation ends June 30, 2004, and only security-related hotfixes are available in the meantime. The Extended support phase for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me ends June 30, 2006.

Product	Current Service Pack	Mainstream Support Ends	Extended Support Ends	Release History
Windows

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