Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was released at the same time. Until April 9, 2013, Windows 7 RTM provided content such as security updates, software updates, PC driver updates and technical support, after which installation of Service Pack 1 is required for users to receive support and updates. It remained an operating system for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and media center PCs, and itself was replaced in November 2012 by Windows 8, the name spanning more than three years of the product. It is the successor to Windows Vista, released nearly three years earlier. It was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and became generally available on October 22, 2009. Windows 7 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. Installing Service Pack 1 is required for users to receive updates and support after April 9, 2013. Įxceptions exist, see § Support lifecycle for details. Security updates are available for the operating system through at most Januonly for Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions, through Octofor Windows Embedded Standard 7, and through Octofor Windows Embedded POSReady 7. This service is available via OEMs, in yearly installments. Windows 7 is eligible for the Extended Security Updates service.

Įxtended support ended on January 14, 2020 ( ). Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015 ( ). Source-available (through Shared Source Initiative).Features that had been commonplace on previous Windows OS were changed, tweaked or even removed from Windows 7, such as the Start Menu interface. It also included handwriting recognition software, improved media centers and security updates, and extra support for virtual hard drives and multi-core processors. Windows 7 wasn’t a true OS release and was more of an upgrade to the Windows Vista OS, offering additional fixes and add-ons.īecause of its use on Tablet computers, Windows 7 included features that could recognize touch. Like the OS before it, Windows 7 was designed to work with personal computers and business computers, but it was also created for netbooks, media center PCs and Tablet computers. Windows 7 was one of the first multi-purpose Operating Systems released by Microsoft. Windows 7 was released in 2009, following on from the Windows Vista Operating System, it was followed in 2012 by the Windows 8 Operating System, but is still commonly bundled in with many newly built computers. Microsoft Windows 7 is one of the latest and greatest editions of the Windows Operating System.

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