Windows Vista

Windows Vista

Windows Vista running on a laptop
Developer	Microsoft Corporation
OS family	Microsoft Windows
Source model	Closed source / Shared source[1]
Released to manufacturing	November 30, 2006; 17 years ago (2006-11-30)
General availability	January 30, 2007; 17 years ago (2007-01-30)
Latest release	6.0 (Build 6002: Service Pack 2)[2] / April 28, 2009; 15 years ago (2009-04-28)[3]
Update method	Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services, SCCM
Platforms	IA-32 and x86-64
Kernel type	Hybrid
License	Proprietary commercial software
Preceded by	Windows XP
Succeeded by	Windows 7
Official website	www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/default.aspx
Support status
Articles in the series
Development of Windows Vista Features new to Windows Vista Management features new to Windows Vista Security and safety features new to Windows Vista Technical features new to Windows Vista Windows Vista I/O technologies Windows Vista networking technologies Features removed from Windows Vista Windows Vista editions

Windows Vista is the 6th version of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Microsoft. It is the successor to Windows XP. While it was being made, it was called Longhorn. On July 28, 2005, Microsoft gave out its real name, which was Windows Vista. The original release of Windows Vista was supported until April 13, 2010; every user of Windows Vista needs to install a Service Pack 1 in order to receive security patches and support after that date, and Service Pack 2 after July 12, 2011. With Service Pack 2 installed on Windows Vista, Microsoft ended mainstream support on April 10, 2012 and then stopped supporting Windows Vista as a whole on April 11, 2017.

Microsoft had worked on Vista for more than five years, so it came with many new features, such as improved graphics, new built-in programs, and stronger defenses against malware. Windows Vista received mixed reviews. However, Windows Vista introduced many changes to the way the operating system worked, which caused some older programs to stop working.

1. ↑ "Windows Licensing Programs". Microsoft. June 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
2. ↑ "Windows Vista with SP2 RTM Slipstreamed/Integrated DVD ISO Image (BT Download)". Archived from the original on May 31, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
3. ↑ http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2009/04/28/windows-vista-sp2-rtm-windows-vista-sp1-blocker-tool-removed.aspx
4. ↑ Microsoft. "Windows Vista Lifecycle Policy". Microsoft. Retrieved April 13, 2010.