Every Windows product features a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins each time a product is released and ends when it's no longer supported. Knowing key dates with this lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when you should upgrade or make other changes on your software.

End of support means the date when cheap microsoft windows 8 not provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. The time has come to make sure you have the newest available update or service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, providing receive security updates which can help protect your personal machine from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that may steal your individual information. For more information go to Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Support for Windows 7 RTM without service packs ended on April 9, 2013. Be sure to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 now to continue to receive support and updates.

Updates are cumulative, with every update built upon all the updates that preceded it. A computer device needs to install the latest update to be supported. Updates may include extra features, fixes (security and/or non-security), or even a combination of both. Don't assume all features in an update work on all devices. A device may not be able to receive updates if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, you aren't outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer's ("OEM") support period. Update availability can vary greatly, for example by country, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).

End of sales refers to the date whenever a particular type of microsoft windows software is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Instances of OEMS are Dell and Toshiba PC manufacturers who often preinstall Windows software.

Observe that when the retail software product reaches its end of sales date, it could still be purchased through OEMs (the corporation that made your personal machine) until it reaches the end of sales date for PCs with Windows preinstalled.

Service packs and updates are in the process of keeping Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 up-to-date. Service packs combine the newest updates and fixes into one package or download. A service pack may include security and performance improvements and also support for new varieties of hardware. To install the latest service pack for Windows XP, Windows Vista, or microsoft visual studio premium 2013 , or install the newest update for Windows 8, visit the Service Pack Center.