Microsoft has announced that Windows Server 2022 will officially reach its mainstream end date in October 2026. It will transition into an extended support phase where it will continue to receive vital security updates for an additional five years.
Initially revealed in March 2021, Windows Server 2022 launched as a Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release in September 2021, providing users with a decade of support.
According to Microsoft, “On October 13, 2026, mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will conclude. The security updates released in October 2026 will be the final mainstream updates for this version.” You can find more information in the Message Center update.
After October 2026, Windows Server 2022 will sustain extended support, offering security updates at no added cost and maintaining monthly updates through October 14, 2031.
Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s server operating system. Windows Server 2025 began rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024, with general availability set for November 2024.
The support for Windows Server 2025 will end five years later, in November 14, 2034. For those interested in testing it prior to deployment, the Microsoft Evaluation Center is available.
Microsoft stated, “Windows Server 2025 has established itself as the latest Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server. Ensure your environment is secured and maintained by planning an upgrade to Windows Server 2025 for complete mainstream support. Evaluate your upgrade paths and begin deployment testing early for a seamless transition.”
For further details on Windows servicing dates, you can visit the Lifecycle Policy Search Tool or refer to the Windows Lifecycle FAQ Page. Microsoft has also provided an updated list of products that are no longer supported or are set to be discontinued in 2025.
Last month, Microsoft extended hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 until October 2027, an additional year. As of now, the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers running Datacenter: Azure Edition has also been extended for another year following the mainstream end date in October 2026.
Recently, Microsoft notified users that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 11 24H2 will cease receiving updates three months following their respective end of support.
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Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com