Microsoft ends free support for Windows Vista

Microsoft has ended free support of Windows Vista, with the operating system moving from Mainstream Support to Extended Support.

Aside from security patches, the news also means that the Microsoft will no longer create hotpatches for Windows Vista or make them available to customers without an Extended Hotfix Support Agreement (EHSA). Microsoft will continue to provide limited support to its EHSA customers.

The news also means that any future versions of Internet Explorer will not be released for Windows Vista.

The news comes ahead of the final release of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system later this year.