Windows Server 2022 Mainstream Support Ends: Security Updates Continue Until 2031
Microsoft has ended mainstream support for Windows Server 2022, which will now receive extended support and monthly security updates until October 2031.
Windows Server 2022 enters extended support
Microsoft announced Windows Server 2022 in March 2021 and released it in September 2021 as a Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release with a 10-year support lifecycle.
“As of October 13, 2026, Windows Server 2022 has reached the end of mainstream support and entered extended support. The October 2026 security updates are the last mainstream support updates available for this version,” the company said.
“Extended support includes security updates at no additional cost, and Windows Server 2022 will continue to receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2031.”
Microsoft has also extended Windows Server 2022 hotpatching by one year, through October 2027, for systems running Datacenter: Azure Edition. See Microsoft’s Windows Server 2022 lifecycle information for the latest support dates.
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025
Before Windows Server 2022 reached the end of mainstream support, Microsoft advised IT administrators to plan upgrades to Windows Server 2025. The newer operating system began rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024 and reached general availability in November 2024.
“Windows Server 2025 is the latest Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server. To keep your environment protected and supported, plan your upgrade path to Windows Server 2025 for full mainstream support,” Microsoft added.
According to Microsoft’s Lifecycle Platform, mainstream support for Windows Server 2025 ends in November 2029. The operating system will then receive an additional five years of extended support, through November 14, 2034. See the Windows Server 2025 lifecycle page for more information.
Windows Server 2025 offers a 180-day trial
Organizations that want to test Windows Server 2025 before deploying it can download a free 180-day trial from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
For additional information about Microsoft servicing dates, visit the Windows Lifecycle FAQ or use Microsoft’s Lifecycle policy search tool.
Microsoft also ends support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro
Microsoft also announced Tuesday that devices running the Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will no longer receive security or non-security preview updates. The company advised customers to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2, the latest version of Windows 11, also known as the Windows 11 2026 Update.
Last week, we also warned users to upgrade devices running unsupported Windows versions because they will no longer receive security updates after next year’s Windows Update certificate rotation.
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Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com