Windows 10 Client and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel Lifecycle Policy update

Originally published: February 1, 2018

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Since the introduction of the Modern Lifecycle Policy in August of 2016, more and more products are launching under this support and servicing model to keep customers current.

Today, we are clarifying how the Windows 10 Client Semi-Annual Channel and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel are supported. By listing these Channels as following the Modern Lifecycle Policy, we are able to more accurately reflect how we already service and update Windows 10 and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channels today through twice-a-year feature updates and monthly quality updates.

We will continue to support at least one Windows 10 Client channel through the previously defined extended support date of October 14, 2025. Each Semi-Annual Channel will continue to be supported for 18 months as announced last April. We will list the individual Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channels and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channels on our Windows Lifecycle FAQ, allowing you to see which versions are currently in support.

As with the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, support and servicing for supported channels include incident support (e.g., no-charge incident support, paid incident support, support charged on an hourly basis, support for warranty claims), security update support, and the ability to request non-security updates.

Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channels and Windows Server 2016 remain under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

Get more details on the Windows as a Service (WaaS) support and servicing model.