Windows Server 2019 and 1809 Recall

Windows Server 2019 and 1809 were re-released to general availability on Nov. 13, 2018, alongside Windows 10 version 1809. Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Windows Server supported on the Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC), while Windows Server 1809 is the latest version supported on the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). The re-release includes a revision that extends the support periods for each version: Windows Server 2019 Mainstream support will now end in Jan. 2024, and Windows Server 1809 will be supported until May 2020.

Both Windows Server 2019 and 1809 were initially generally available on Oct. 2, 2018, and recalled at the same time as Windows 10 version 1809. While concerning, this recall and re-release do not impact Windows Server deployment as significantly as they affect Windows 10. Windows Server 2019, as well as Windows Server 2016 and earlier major versions, are supported on the LTSC and are likely to be deployed at a more measured pace in support of infrastructure roles and enterprise application hosting. These use cases tend to undergo more customer testing and evaluation before the OS is fully integrated into production. The SAC versions of Windows Server, including Windows Server 1809, are focused on container hosting and new application development scenarios, use cases which also ideally include customer testing, integration, and deployment processes. For both LTSC and SAC versions, Windows Server tends to be used for more specific purposes and in less varied environments than the Windows 10 client OS, making customer testing less difficult.