Microsoft unlikely to be offering extended support for consumer editions of Vista

Vista users should prepare for the fact that from April this year Microsoft will no longer offer mainstream support, such as enhancements and security updates and bug fixes for the operating system (OS).

The fact that Microsoft will no longer be supporting Vista is in line with its policy. Full support for Windows OS runs for five years from the official release date in most circumstances. The software giant also offers extended support and this will be in place for some business users but not for the consumer editions of Vista.

Microsoft ended support for people who were only using Vista with Service Pack 1 in July last year. At this time users were encouraged to upgrade to Service Pack 2, or use an alternative operating system.

Microsoft may change its mind and offer this but it means that users of any of the consumer editions of the OS - Vista Basic or Vista Home Premium - should consider upgrading to something such as Windows 7 or even Ubuntu which is free.

In a statement the company said: "Windows Vista is currently slated for April 10, 2012. However, as we've done in the past, Microsoft will continue to evaluate the Support Lifecycle for Windows Vista and make decisions about extending support if and when it is necessary.

"Microsoft works closely with Microsoft product teams, customers, partners, leading analysts and research firms to determine clear and consistent policies, and is currently taking additional time to asses all possibilities for the Vista Support Lifecycle".

However with Windows 7 soon to be superseded by Windows 8 it won't be a shock if Microsoft chooses not to offer extended support for Vista; which has been unpopular with many consumers.