Windows Servicing and Support Policies as of Feb. 2018

This illustration shows anticipated release and retirement dates of Windows client OS versions for enterprises. It includes Windows 10 versions in the following channels:

Current Branch for Business servicing channel, which after version 1709 is renamed the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)

Long-Term Servicing Branch, which after version 1709 is renamed the Long-Term Servicing Channel and is labeled Long-Term here.

Microsoft’s “Windows as a Service” policy for Windows 10 originally promised a stable and predictable service and support cycle, but the policy has changed frequently, and so far each version of Windows 10 has received an extension of support beyond what the policy in effect originally specified. This pattern suggests that many organizations are deploying Windows 10 versions much slower than anticipated, which could signal either migration difficulties or lack of compelling features for enterprises. Continued slow deployment could lead Microsoft to further change policies: For example, Microsoft might shift to annual version releases and offer 24 months of support for each version. However, the company has not announced or clarified such policies, and the approach of support deadlines for Windows 7 means that organizations should be executing a migration plan to Windows 10 now, regardless of Microsoft’s wavering service and support policies.