Support for Windows Vista

Support options, learn more and lifecycle information for Windows Vista.

Support options and resources

For technical assistance with Windows Vista, please click here. For other content, please select a category below.

Find it myself

Self-support options

Windows Vista Help & how to
Visit the Windows Vista Help & how to center to learn about how to get all you can out of Windows Vista.

Get the latest service packs, updates and more
Visit the Download Center to find the latest service packs, updates and drivers.

Self-support options for work

IT Pros: Windows Vista TechCenter on TechNet
Visit the Windows Vista TechCenter on TechNet for advanced troubleshooting and guidance for IT Pros.

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack
Learn more about this suite of technologies available as a subscription for Software Assurance customers to improve compatibility and management, reduce support costs, improve asset management, and improve policy control in your environment.

Developers: Windows Client Developer Center on MSDN
Visit the Windows Client Developer Center on MSDN to learn about Windows development.

Support for Small Business
Simple help and troubleshooting for small businesses.

Microsoft Premier Customers: Visit Microsoft Premier Online (MPO) for troubleshooting resources or to submit an incident online
Enterprise customers with a Premier account can visit Microsoft Premier Online (MPO) for troubleshooting information or to open a support incident with a Microsoft support professional.

Microsoft Partners: Visit the Microsoft Partner Network
Microsoft Partners can access unlimited online support via the Microsoft Partner Network.

Ask the community

Community resources

Microsoft Community
Post a question or browse for solutions in the Windows Vista Community forums.

IT Pros: Microsoft TechNet Windows Vista forums
Post a question or browse for solutions in the Microsoft TechNet Windows Vista forums.

Developers: Microsoft MSDN Software Development for Windows Client forums
Post a question or browse for solutions in the MSDN Software Development for Windows Client forums.

Get technical support

Get non-technical or customer service assistance
For general inquiries about Microsoft products and services visit our Contact Us page.

Technical support options

You may be entitled to free warranty support from your OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
Visit our OEM contact page to learn how to tell whether your installation is OEM and to browse contact information for many OEMs. If your Microsoft product was preinstalled, distributed with your computer, or obtained as an upgrade directly from your computer manufacturer, the primary source for support is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) who provided the Microsoft product.

Get Microsoft technical support
To contact a Microsoft Support Professional, click on the product and version below that is applicable to you. We’ll ask you a few questions to help us determine what your support options are. The support options may include email, on-line submission or phone support.

To find out what version of Windows you have, click the Start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

Technical support options for work

IT Pros: Contact a Microsoft Support Professional using your TechNet subscription
As a TechNet Plus subscriber, you are entitled to receive two (2) complimentary incidents and a 20 percent discount on any additional phone incidents you purchase. Learn more.

Developers: Contact a Microsoft Support Professional using your MSDN subscription
As an MSDN Subscriber, you may be entitled to receive up to four (4) technical support incidents depending on your subscription level. These support incidents can be used to resolve technical break-fix issues in a non-production environment and are the equivalent of paid Professional Support incidents. You can use a technical support incident to find a solution to a production issue if you can replicate that issue in a non-production environment. Learn more.

Microsoft Premier Customers: Visit the Microsoft Premier Online (MPO) site
Enterprise customers with a Premier account can visit Microsoft Premier Online (MPO) for troubleshooting information or to open a support incident with a Microsoft support professional.

Microsoft Partners: Visit the Microsoft Partner Network
Microsoft Partners can access unlimited online support via the Microsoft Partner Network.

Microsoft Software Assurance
Get volume licensing and additional benefits with the Microsoft Software Assurance program.

Learn more

Using Windows Vista

Windows Vista Help & how to
Visit the Windows Vista Help & how to center to learn about how to get all you can out of Windows Vista.

Widows Vista features
Explore the features to find out what you can do with Windows Vista.

Getting started with Windows Vista
Start with these basic tasks, then learn more.

Migrating to Windows 7

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
To see if your PC is ready for Windows 7, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

Upgrade to Windows 8 today
Get Windows 8 today and be more secure.

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7
Learn how to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7 and keep your files, settings, and programs in place.

Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions
Get answers to questions about upgrading to Windows 7, including what the differences are between the upgrade version and the full version of Windows 7.

Where are my files and folders after upgrading from Windows XP or Windows Vista?
Learn how to find your files and folders after upgrading, including accessing the Windows.old folder.

Support lifecycle

Learn more about Windows Vista support lifecycle

Support Lifecycle policy page
Visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy page to view Microsoft’s guidelines for product support from availability to end of product lifecycle.

Windows Vista support lifecycle policies
View the support lifecycle policy information for the Windows Vista family of products.

View support lifecycle information

Windows lifecycle fact sheet
View important lifecycle dates and information for the Windows products.

Support is ending for some versions of Windows
Learn how to check what version and service pack you are running.

Last Review : February 7, 2013