Microsoft has reminded IT administrators that Windows Server 2022 is rapidly approaching its mainstream end date of October 2026, when it will switch to extended support.
The company announced Windows Server 2022 in March 2021, and it 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,” Microsoft said in a message center update on Friday.
“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.”
It also advised admins to upgrade systems 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 five years of extended support until November 14, 2034. Customers who want to test it before deployment can use the free Windows Server 2025 180-day trial available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
“Windows Server 2025 is now the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release for Windows Server. To help keep your environment protected and supported, plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 for full mainstream support,” Microsoft added. “Evaluate upgrade options and begin deployment testing early to help ensure a smooth transition.”
Last month, Microsoft also announced that it has extended Windows Server 2022 hotpatching until October 2027, one year after its mainstream end date of October 2026, for systems running the Datacenter: Azure Edition, and quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year.
More recently, it also reminded users that Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will reach end of updates on November 10, 2026, and recommended upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 (the company’s latest operating system for endpoints).
You can find more information about Windows servicing dates on the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or using the Lifecycle Policy search tool. Microsoft also maintains a list of all products that will reach the end of support or will be retired this year.
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