Windows 7 and Server 2008 End-of-Life

What does “ending support” mean?

Microsoft will no longer be releasing patches and security fixes for these operating systems. Modern operating systems are complex pieces of software. Flaws and vulnerabilities are regularly discovered, especially in wide-spread operating systems. Normally, these flaws are “patched” and fixed via Windows Update functionality. End of support means that if a critical flaw is found, no new patches or updates will be released for these operating systems, and your network could be at risk.

Why is this happening?

All software packages have a natural life cycle. Windows Server 2008 was launched in 2008 and Windows 7 launched in 2009. Multiple new versions of Windows and Windows Server have been released since. Advancements in performance and functionality prevent these older operating systems from being viable any longer.

Microsoft has a standardized life cycle for its operating systems:

Client Operating System	End of Mainstream Support	End of Extended Support
Windows 7 Service Pack 1	January 13, 2015	January 14, 2020
Windows 8.1	January 9, 2018	January 10, 2023

Source: Windows lifecycle fact sheet

Server Operating System	End of Mainstream Support	End of Extended Support
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2	January 13, 2015	January 14, 2020
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1	January 13, 2015	January 14, 2020
Windows Server 2012	October 9, 2018	October 10, 2023
Windows Server 2012 R2	October 9, 2018	October 10, 2023
Windows Server 2016	January 11, 2022	January 12, 2027

Source: Microsoft lifecycle policy search

What should I do?

Your best choice is to plan an upgrade of any systems that are running these older operating systems. In some cases, you may only need to upgrade the operating system, and leave the hardware as is. If we haven’t already approached you about any systems that are in need of an upgrade, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your options.