Updated: May 31, 2023 (November 20, 2021)

Windows Client Timeline, Nov. 2021

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

The Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel is being replaced by an annual General Availability Channel that will apply to Windows 11 as well.
An 21H2 Long-Term Servicing Channel offers a shorter support term than the 2019 LTSC.
At least one version of Windows 10 Enterprise edition will be supported through Oct. 14, 2025.

With the general availability of Windows 10 21H2 in Nov. 2021, and Windows 11 in Oct. 2021, Microsoft is dropping the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) and replacing it with an annual General Availability Channel (GAC). The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version released in Nov. 2021 will likely be the last Windows 10 LTSC release, and it will be supported for less time than the LTSC version that preceded it. The accompanying timeline shows likely release and retirement dates for Windows client OS versions used in large organizations.

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 left Mainstream support in Jan. 2018 and will leave Extended support in Jan. 2023. Despite several years of Extended support remaining for Windows 8.1, customers should be planning to migrate to Windows 10 or 11.

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