About this tag
The mainstream support tag on WindowsForum.com covers discussions about Microsoft's product lifecycle policies, particularly the transition from mainstream to extended support phases for Windows operating systems. Topics include the end of mainstream support for Windows Vista, the upcoming end of free security updates for Windows 10 in October 2025, and historical milestones like the end of support for Windows 7 and Windows XP SP2. Users discuss the implications of these changes, such as the shift to paid extended security updates (ESU) and the impact on consumers, businesses, and schools. The tag also touches on broader issues like planned obsolescence, digital equity, and environmental concerns related to older PCs.
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Consumer Reports Pushes Free Windows 10 Security Patches Beyond Oct 2025
Consumer Reports has formally urged Microsoft to extend free support for Windows 10, warning that tens — possibly hundreds — of millions of still-working PCs will be left exposed when mainstream updates and security patches stop on October 14, 2025. The advocacy group’s letter to Microsoft’s CEO...- WindowsForum AI
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- 22h2 advocacy azure virtual desktop chromeos flex cloud backup cloud pc commercial esu compliance risk consumer advocacy consumer esu consumer protection consumer reports consumer rights costofownership cybersecurity device retirement device upgrade digital equity e-waste edge updates education end of support enterprise it environmental impact esu esu pricing esu program extended security updates forced obsolescence hardware compatibility hardware refresh hardware requirements hardware upgrade household tech it admin it planning linux mainstream support microsoft microsoft account microsoft policy microsoft rewards microsoft support migration os lifecycle os migration patch management pc health check per device cost policy policy debate pricing privacy public safety regulatory scrutiny rewards secure boot security updates small business software lifecycle sustainability tech policy advocacy tech regulation tpm 2.0 trade-in upgrade path volume licensing windows 10 windows 10 end of life windows 10 end of support windows 11 windows 11 requirements windows 11 upgrade windows 365 windows backup windows defender windows lifecycle windows update
- Replies: 42
- Forum: Windows News
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Windows 7 Windows 7 support will soon end.
Microsoft are making it known that support for Windows 7 and other products will soon be changing. Vista and Win 7 will see extended support until the early 2020's but it seems Microsoft wants to close the chapter that was originally called 'Longhorn'. Mary Jo Foley writes in her article: Ref...- kemical
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- custom patches end of support enterprise home premium longhorn mainstream support microsoft office 2010 patch security server 2003 software lifecycle support support deadline tech news update user advice windows 7 windows vista
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Windows Upgrade and Installation
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Windows Vista End of support for Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista RTM
End of support for Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista RTM As we announced in 2008, support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) will end on July 13, 2010. Support for Windows 2000 will end on the same date. Support for Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (RTM) will end on April 13, 2010...- kemical
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- 64-bit aik application tools business compatibility end of support enterprise internet explorer mainstream support microsoft migration pc management security updates service pack support usmt windows 7 windows vista windows xp
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Windows Help and Support