New
#20
Not so much actually. I base this on Microsoft's own model from my days at the company.(not to mention it is a standard model for all software releases.) The support curve spikes on release and then gradually reduces. Because Microsoft charges for support after a warranty period their model comes closer to breaking even on something like Windows 7.(Actually they make money, lots of money. That's what service contracts are for, among other things.) Also, their own support model runs until 2020, so it isn't like the costing model for Windows 7 is somehow out of whack.
Windows 10 on the other hand will have a higher support cost. Mostly because it is shipping free, support is free initially, and they are buried in support issues. Every new patch release brings on even newer bugs. With the more frequent releases that support curve maintains its higher levels for extended periods of time. This means they are likely trying to kill off Windows 7 early not because of direct cost, but because they need to free up people to work on Windows 10 or higher more developers/support folks. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the bulk of their users are business customers. Large corporations and business just moved to Windows 7, so for all their kicking and screaming they won't move that elephant until it is ready to move on its own. For the consumer they may find their market share begin to shrink. As everything goes multi-platform people are going with what works. No, this isn't an Apple endorsement, merely stating that whatever it is, consumers will migrate to it if that stable and consistent platform runs the programs they need.