Updated: July 16, 2020 (July 3, 2017)

Windows Client Roadmap

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

The move to Semi-annual Channel releases for new versions of Windows 10, starting in Sept. 2017, may make some aspects of the Windows 10 roadmap more predictable. This illustration shows the retirement date for Windows 7 and the anticipated release and retirement dates for various Windows 10 client OS versions for enterprises.

Windows 7 leaves support in Jan. 2020, and organizations that want to continue using the Windows client OS will have to transition to a currently supported version.

Already released versions of Windows 10 (pre-1709) continue under the previous Branch-based release and servicing policy. Under this policy, only the two most current branches are supported. Microsoft has announced that with the transition, version 1511 will be supported through at least Oct. 2017.

Beginning with version 1709, the Branch system will be replaced with the new Semi-annual Channel-based release and servicing policy that is expected to bring a new version approximately every Mar. and Sept. Under this policy, each version will be supported for 18 months from the date of release, rather than the two most current releases.

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