Windows Server 20H2 Released, New LTSC Version in 2021

A new Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows Server will likely arrive in late 2021, and Windows Server 20H2, the latest Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) version of Windows Server, is now generally available. The accompanying timeline summarizes future releases and retirements for LTSC (top) and SAC (bottom) versions of Windows Server.

Windows Server LTSC

Windows Server 2019, the most recent LTSC version of Windows Server, offers five years of Mainstream support ending in Jan. 2024 and will leave Extended support in Jan. 2029. LTSC versions of Windows Server are available in Desktop Experience and Server Core installation modes and are used for most Windows Server roles. In particular, LTSC versions of Windows Server remain the best option for hosting Microsoft server applications such as SQL Server and Exchange Server. LTSC versions are delivered every two to three years and are recommended for general purpose file servers, first- and third-party workloads, traditional server applications, and infrastructure and data center roles. A new LTSC version of Windows Server, referred to here as 2022, is under development and will likely become generally available in late 2021. Recent preview builds of this new version, available through the Windows Insider Program, include improvements that benefit networking, server clusters, and containerized applications.