Microsoft has alerted IT administrators that the mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 is nearing its conclusion, set for October 2026, at which point it will enter extended support.
Introduced in March 2021, Windows Server 2022 became widely available in September 2021 as part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) with a decade of support.
According to a message center update released on Friday, Microsoft stated, “On October 13, 2026, Windows Server 2022 will reach the end of mainstream support. The security update for October 2026 will be the final mainstream support update for this version.”
“Following this date, Windows Server 2022 will move to extended support, which will provide security updates at no extra cost, continuing to receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2031,” the company added.
Additionally, Microsoft recommended that administrators upgrade their systems to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024 after being initially released to Windows Insiders in January 2024.
Windows Server 2025 will conclude its support on November 13, 2029, with an additional five years of extended support available until November 14, 2034. Customers interested in testing it prior to deployment can access a free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Microsoft emphasized, “Windows Server 2025 is now the most recent Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release for Windows Server. To ensure your environment remains protected and supported, plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 for complete mainstream support.” They also advised, “Assess upgrade options and initiate deployment testing early to facilitate a seamless transition.”
Last month, Microsoft announced an extension of hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 until October 2027, one year beyond its mainstream end date of October 2026, specifically for systems operating on the Datacenter: Azure Edition. They also quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year.
Recently, Microsoft reminded users that the Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will cease receiving updates on November 10, 2026, and recommended upgrading to Windows 11 25H2, the latest operating system for endpoints.
For further details regarding Windows servicing dates, you can visit the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or utilize the Lifecycle Policy search tool. Microsoft also provides a list of all products that will reach the end of support or be retired this year.
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