Has it been that long already? Windows 7 SP1 was released almost two years ago. As a result of that release, Windows 7 RTM (with no service pack) will no longer be supported as of April 9th, 2013, following the standard Windows support lifecycle specifying that support ends 24 months after the release of a new service pack.
Rest assured that Windows 7 will continue to be fully supported for a long time, with mainstream support continuing until January 13, 2015, and extended support continuing until January 14, 2020. With that said, let’s answer some questions.What is a Service Pack? – A Service Pack 1 (SP) is an update that addresses customer and partner feedback. SP1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 is a recommended collection of updates and improvements to Windows that are combined into a single installable update.
How long will Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise be supported? - Windows 7 with supported service packs, mainstream support will continue until 1/13/2015, and with extended support for Windows 7 Enterprise and Professional until 1/14/2020.
When does support for Service Pack 1 expire? - Support ends 24 months after the next service pack releases or at the end of the product's support lifecycle, whichever comes first. For more information, please see the service pack policy here .
Where do I get Service Pack 1 for Windows 7? – Service Pack 1 can be downloaded here. The supporting documentation is here and Step By Step instillation instructions can be found here.
What is the difference between mainstream support and extended support?- The chart below covers the differences between Mainstream Support and Extended Support?
Besides being in the support cycle, are there other reasons to upgrade to Windows 7 SP 1? -
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.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will help you:
Need more information? Visithttp://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/andto learn how to Explore, Plan, Deliver, Operate and Support Windows 7 click here or for Windows 8, click here.
- 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
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