During Mainstream support, users receive limited no-charge support, but design change requests may be considered. Once a product transitions from Mainstream to Extended support, the support is limited to self-service and paid options. When products exit Extended support, paid custom support contracts (if offered) are the only option, and updates to the product, including security updates, should not be expected outside of the terms defined within paid custom support contracts.
| Support Options | Mainstream Support | Extended Support |
| Ability to purchase a paid support agreement | Yes | Yes |
| Security update support | Yes | Yes |
| Nonsecurity hotfix support | Yes | Yes* |
| No-charge incident support | Yes | No |
| Warranty claims | Yes | No |
| Design changes and feature requests | Yes | No |
| Self-service support (Microsoft Knowledge Base and Microsoft Help & Support site) | Yes | Yes |
*If extended hotfix agreement is purchased within 90 days of the ending of Mainstream support.