The new version of PHP 8.0 is still left out for release in the month of November, but by the time this would appear Windows would not support it.
The company has stated that the fixing of the bugs and security patches will keep on releasing for the smooth functioning of version of PHP 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4. But as soon as the later version gets released in this year, Microsoft would not be supporting PHP for Windows in any of the capacities for the PHP 8.0 and beyond.
As per the statement in a posting to the PHP mailing lists, Dale Hirt, who is the Microsoft’s PHP project manager explained that they are supporting the PHP with the development as of now and building efforts for PHP 7.3 and PHP 7.4. In addition to this, they also said that they help with building PHP 7.2 on Windows whenever they need to fix security issues. For now, PHP 8.0 is ramping up and they are looking forward to make people aware of their plans which would mark a major change later.
Continuing to this he also said that they are very much aware of the timing of the current cadence which is two years from the date of release for fixing the bugs and one year after that for fixing the issues of security. In September, PHP 7.2 will be going out for support. In November only PHP 7.3 will be seen in the security fix mode.
The team is very much dedicated towards maintaining development and building of as long as they are receiving official support. However, there would be no support for PHP for Windows in any of the capacity for version 8.0 and beyond.
No particular reason has yet been given by the company for the decision, but it is very much likely to be down to number of users.