Microsoft has announced that Windows Server 2022 will reach the end of mainstream support on October 13, 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the operating system, which was first released as part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) in September 2021.
During its mainstream support phase, Windows Server 2022 has received regular security updates and new features to ensure it remains secure and stable for businesses running their server workloads. However, with the end of mainstream support approaching, Microsoft is urging customers to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which was released in November 2024.
Windows Server 2025 offers several improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced security features and performance enhancements. It will reach the end of support on November 13, 2029, with extended support ending five years later, on November 14, 2034.
For those who want to test Windows Server 2025 before deployment, a free 180-day trial is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. This will give businesses ample time to evaluate their upgrade options and begin deployment testing early to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.
In related news, Microsoft has extended Windows Server 2022 hotpatching until October 2027 for systems running the Datacenter: Azure Edition. This means that customers will have additional time to apply security updates and patches without having to restart their servers.
Microsoft has also shared a list of products that will reach the end of support or be retired in 2025. It’s essential for businesses to evaluate their upgrade options carefully and plan accordingly to avoid any potential disruptions to their operations.
**Key Dates:*
* October 13, 2026: End of mainstream support for Windows Server 2022
* November 13, 2029: End of support for Windows Server 2025
* November 14, 2034: Extended support ends for Windows Server 2025
**Upgrade Options:**
For those who are still running Windows Server 2022, Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 as soon as possible. This will ensure that businesses continue to receive security updates and patches without any disruptions.
**Testing and Evaluation:**
Businesses can test Windows Server 2025 before deployment using the free 180-day trial available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. This will give them ample time to evaluate their upgrade options and begin deployment testing early to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.
**Conclusion:*
The end of mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 marks an important milestone in the life cycle of the operating system. Businesses should take this opportunity to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which offers several improvements over its predecessor. With careful planning and evaluation, businesses can ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system and continue to run their server workloads securely and efficiently.
**Tags:**
* Windows Server 2022
* End of mainstream support
* Extended support
* Upgrade options
* Testing and evaluation
**Approved:** True
**Quality Score:** 90
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Source: Original article