Some standard applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Calendar, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are not included in Windows 7 most are instead offered separately at no charge as part of the Windows Live Essentials suite. Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements.

Unlike Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible. However, as Windows 8 introduces significant changes in its user interface and is optimized for touch-screen devices, Windows 7 remained available for purchase until 2014, and ended support on January 14, 2020. On October 26, 2012, Windows 7 was superseded by Windows 8. Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was released at the same time. Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and reached general retail availability on October 22, 2009, less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7 (codenamed Windows 7 ) is a major release of the Microsoft Windows series of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use with personal computers, tablets, and other devices. See Support lifecycle for exceptions and details. Extended Security Updates are available in annual installments via OEMs at most through Janufor eligible Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions, through Octofor Windows Embedded Standard 7, and through Octofor Windows Embedded POSReady 7.

Microsoft Edge will continue to be the supported browser for Windows 7 from Januthrough January 12, 2023. Installing Service Pack 1 is required to receive updates and support after April 9, 2013. Extended support ended on January 14, 2020.

Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015.

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