Support timelines for SQL Server, .NET Framework, Visual Studio, Team Foundation Server and Windows

Microsoft maintains a database of all supported products, along with the dates when those products' various support stages end.  Anyone can search the database for a specific product, but that can be time-consuming when data for more than one product is needed.  I have therefore been maintaining a list of important dates and relevant information about several products for my clients.  I have decided to consolidate that list here for easy reference.  Note that this list is for informational purposes only; the product lifecycle page contains the official dates and policies.  Please refer to those pages when questions arise.

Last Updated: 10/3/2014

Recent and upcoming changes are highlighted in red.

SQL Server

 

.NET Framework

  • 1.0
    • No longer supported
  • 1.1
    • Standalone versions are no longer supported
    • Support for the .NET Framework 1.1 version bundled with Windows 2003 SP2 x86 will continue until 7/14/2015, when the operating system support ends.
  • 2.0
  • 3.0
    • No longer supported
  • 3.5
  • 3.5.1
    • 3.5.1 is now considered a part of the operating system on which it is supported.  It will be supported and serviced along with the operating system.
  • 4.0
    • 4.0 is now considered a part of the operating system on which it is supported.  It will be supported and serviced along with the operating system.
  • 4.5
    • It is a replacement for .NET 4.0, not a separate install (4.5 updates 4.0)
    • It is considered a component of the operating on which it is installed.  It will be supported and serviced along with the operating system.
  • 4.5.1
    • It is a replacement for .NET 4.0 and .NET 4.5, not a separate install (4.5.1 updates 4.x)
    • It is considered a component of the operating on which it is installed. It will be supported and serviced along with the operating system.

 

Visual Studio

 

Team Foundation Server

 

Windows Server

 

Windows Client

  • XP
    • No longer supported
  • Vista
  • 7
  • 8
    • In mainstream support
    • Must move to Windows 8.1 by 1/12/2016 in order to remain supported
    • RTM (no service pack) is the current version
  • 8.1
    • In mainstream support
    • Goes into extended support on 1/9/2018
    • Leaves support completely on 1/10/2023
    • RTM (no service pack) is the current version