Updated: May 31, 2023 (August 9, 2021)

Windows Server SAC Sacked

Jim leads the Directions on Microsoft editorial team and has been writing about technology since the early 1990s. Most recently... more

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The Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) of Windows Server has been discontinued, and future versions of Windows Server starting with Windows Server 2022 will be offered only on the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). Windows Server 20H2, the last SAC version released, leaves support in May 2022.

The End of the Semi-Annual Channel

SAC versions of Windows Server, which did not include the commonly used Desktop Experience or “Full” installation mode, were released every six months, were supported for 18 months after release, and required active Software Assurance (SA). They were intended for containerized applications, container hosts, and application scenarios using newer or more rapidly changing technologies.

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