Windows Server 2022 reach end of mainstream support in 90 days
Microsoft announced that Windows Server 2022 will reach the mainstream end date in October 2026, but will switch to extended support and continue receiving security updates for five more years.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Windows Server 2022 will reach the end of mainstream support in 90 days, transitioning to extended support and continuing to receive security updates for five more years. Customers are advised to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024.
Imagine you have a computer that needs updates to stay safe. Windows Server 2022 is like an old computer that needs to be updated to stay safe. Microsoft is telling people to update to a new computer called Windows Server 2025, which will stay safe for a longer time.
Analysis
Windows Server 2022 End of Mainstream Support Timeline
Windows Server 2022 was first announced in March 2021 and became generally available in September 2021 as the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release, with 10 years of support. On October 13, 2026, Windows Server 2022 will reach end of mainstream support. The October 2026 security update will be the last mainstream support update available for this version. After this date, Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support, which includes security updates at no additional cost, and will continue to receive monthly security updates through October 14, 2031.
Upgrade to Windows Server 2025
Customers are now advised to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024 after first rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024. Windows Server 2025 will reach the end of support on November 13, 2029, with extended support ending five years later, on November 14, 2034. Those who want to test Windows Server 2025 before deployment can use the free 180-day trial available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Microsoft's Recommendations
Microsoft has shared a list of products that will reach the end of support or will be retired in 2025. The company has also reminded customers that Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving updates 3 months after reaching end of support.
Key points
- Windows Server 2022 will reach end of mainstream support in 90 days.
- The operating system will transition to extended support and continue receiving security updates for five more years.
- Customers are advised to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024.
- Windows Server 2025 will reach the end of support on November 13, 2029, with extended support ending five years later, on November 14, 2034.
If this development plays out positively, it could lead to a smoother transition for customers to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities and ensuring continued support for their systems.
A realistic downside risk is that some customers may not be able to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 in time, leaving them vulnerable to security threats and potentially facing costly repairs or replacements.
