What Do Mainstream Support and Extended Support Mean?

As Windows XP leaves Extended support, it is important for business customers to understand what this means

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.

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