Mainstream Support ends 4/12/2011. Extended Support ends 4/12/2016.For difference ******etween Mainstream Support and Extended Support, visit http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy.

When has Microsoft stopped supporting MFC, which was released in the 90s? They still support it today, even though it's not the prime focus of most Windows software developers.

Are you asking this because you think that WPF or Silverlight will take over soon? I imagine those technologies are the way of the future, but I think there are certain cases where a Windows Forms program will still be totally appropriate and usable.

I can't imagine Microsoft discontinuing support for Forms in the near future. Maybe they won't necessary add lots of bells/whistles to improve it, but it will still be around for a while.

Mainstream Support ends 4/12/2011. Extended Support ends 4/12/2016.For difference ******etween Mainstream Support and Extended Support, visit http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy.

I think you can choose between Forms and WPF based on the application type. If you are doing a general consumer-targeted app where you want an extremely slick-looking end product, WPF would be a great choice. Especially if you can get design people to help create art assets using Expression Blend.

On the other hand, if you are doing an Windows desktop product that is more of a tool, more information based, Forms is a still a great choice. And there are many toolkits available to make your Windows Forms apps look great.

I definitely think WPF/Silverlight will be popular going forward and it is a good idea to starting working with it whenever you can.