Microsoft warns Windows Server 2022 mainstream support ends in October 2026

Microsoft is reminding IT administrators that Windows Server 2022 mainstream support ends on October 13, 2026. After that date, the operating system will move into extended support, making it important for organizations to begin planning upgrades and testing migration strategies.

Microsoft announced Windows Server 2022 in March 2021, and the operating system became generally available in September 2021 as a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release with a 10-year support lifecycle.

“On October 13, 2026, mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will end. The October 2026 security updates will be the last mainstream support updates available for this version,” Microsoft said in a Windows Message Center update.

Once mainstream support ends, Windows Server 2022 will enter extended support. Customers will continue receiving security updates at no additional cost through October 14, 2031, but the platform will no longer receive the same level of feature updates or general support available during the mainstream support phase.

Microsoft is advising organizations to evaluate and test an upgrade to Windows Server 2025, the company’s latest LTSC release. Windows Server 2025 was made available to Windows Insiders in January 2024 before reaching general availability in November 2024.

Microsoft’s Windows Server 2025 support lifecycle provides additional information about product support dates. Organizations can also download a 180-day free trial from the Microsoft Evaluation Center to test compatibility before deployment.

“Windows Server 2025 is now the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server. To keep your environment protected and supported, plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 for full mainstream support,” Microsoft said. “Assess your upgrade options and start testing your deployment early to ensure a smooth transition.”

Microsoft also recently announced that it would extend Windows Server 2022 hotpatching support through October 2027, giving eligible customers additional time to use the feature after the operating system enters extended support. The company’s Windows Server 2022 lifecycle page includes the latest mainstream and extended support dates.

Microsoft has also reminded customers that Windows 11 version 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will stop receiving updates on November 10, 2026. The company recommends upgrading eligible systems to Windows 11 version 25H2, its latest endpoint operating system.

For additional information about Windows servicing and support dates, visit Microsoft’s Windows Lifecycle FAQ or use the Lifecycle Policy Search Tool. Microsoft also maintains a list of products reaching end of support in 2026.

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