Windows Server Support Timeline

Windows Server 20H2, released in Oct. 2020, is the last version of Windows Server available through the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) and will leave support in May 2022. Future versions of Windows Server will be available only through the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), and organizations using versions of Windows Server released on the SAC should migrate to LTSC versions of Windows Server. Updated container base OS images of Windows Server (not shown), including Server Core and Nano Server configurations, will continue to be made available two to three times annually. Windows Server 1909, released in Nov. 2019 on the SAC, left support in May 2021, and Windows Server 2004, released in May 2020, will leave support in Dec. 2021.

Windows Server 2022, the latest LTSC version of Windows Server, was released in Aug. 2021. LTSC versions of Windows Server are the recommended option for traditional infrastructure roles and hosting on-premises enterprise software such as SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SharePoint Server. They provide five years of Mainstream support and five years of Extended support. Windows Server 2019, released in Nov. 2018. and Windows Server 2016, released in Oct. 2016, are also supported on the LTSC. Windows Server 2022, 2019, and 2016 offer Desktop Experience (“Full”) and Server Core installation modes.