Microsoft announced Thursday Feb. 14 that it will no longer offer support for operating system Windows 7 RTM (Release to Manufacturing).
Beginning April 9, 2013 the support lifecycle will end, as per Windows' standard protocol. Windows 7 SP1 (Service Pack 1) was released two years ago and Windows ends support for the RTM version within 24 months of the release a new service pack. Full support for Windows 7 will remain for years to come. Windows 7 mainstream will be supported until Jan. 13, 2015 and extended support for Windows Enterprise and Professional will continue until Jan. 14, 2020.
Microsoft is encouraging all users to update their systems to Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Windows service pack updates address issues from customer and partner feedback such as security issues and overall software system tweaks and improvements. Support for Windows 7 SP1 will expire within 24 months after the next service pack is released, just as is happening with the RTM version of Windows. You may view the service pack policy here. It's not clear if Microsoft plans on releasing another service pack once the support for Windows 7 SP1 expires.
Windows 7 SP1 can make your computer more safe and reliable. No computer operating system is perfect and updates are essential to keep your PC running smoothly. As criminals discover new ways to gain unauthorized access to personal information via Internet, service updates assist in combating the increasing number of cyber-crimes. Service packs often include security patches that fix known exploits found within the operating system.
"Windows 7 SP1 can help make your computer safer and more reliable. Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 provides a comprehensive set of innovations for enterprise-class virtualization. This includes new virtualization capabilities with Dynamic Memory and Microsoft RemoteFX," says Microsoft on its blog.
Microsoft goes on to list additional reasons to update to the latest service pack accordingly.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will help you:
- Keep your PCs supported and up-to-date
- Get ongoing updates to the Windows 7 platform
- Easily deploy cumulative updates at a single time
- Meet your users' demands for greater business mobility
- Provide a comprehensive set of virtualization innovations
- Provide an easier Service Pack deployment model for better IT efficiency
