endofsupport

End of support, sometimes described in lifecycle documentation as end of life for a product line, is the point at which a vendor ceases to provide formal updates, patches, or technical assistance for that product. When support ends, security fixes and compatibility updates may be withdrawn, leaving users exposed to vulnerabilities and compliance challenges. Vendors typically publish a lifecycle policy that outlines phases such as mainstream support and extended support; after the final phase, the product may be considered end of life and no longer maintained.

The impact of end of support includes increased risk from unpatched vulnerabilities, potential incompatibilities with current hardware or software, and reduced access to official help desks or certified integrations. Organizations relying on affected software often must upgrade to a newer version or migrate to an alternative platform to maintain security, reliability, and support options. Users outside organizations may also face security and compliance concerns when using unsupported software.

Some vendors offer paid extended support or security-only updates after the standard end of support date, sometimes called extended security updates. Open-source projects may continue to receive maintenance through community efforts or commercial sponsors, but terms and availability vary.

Planning for end of support involves tracking product lifecycles, maintaining an up-to-date inventory, testing upgrades, and budgeting for migrations. Notable EOS events include the end of support for Windows XP in 2014 and Windows 7 in 2020. In essence, end of support signals a transition from active maintenance to risk-managed operation, with implications for security, compatibility, and governance.