Windows Server 2022 Ends Mainstream Support, Shifts to Extended Phase

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that Windows Server 2022 has officially reached the end of its mainstream support phase. The operating system, which was generally available in September 2021, has transitioned to extended support as of October 13, 2026, according to a statement from the software giant.

The October 2026 security update serves as the final mainstream support release for this version. Under the new extended support model, Windows Server 2022 will continue to receive monthly security updates at no additional cost. These critical patches will be provided until the extended support period concludes on October 14, 2031, maintaining the original ten-year support lifecycle for the Long-Term Servicing Channel release.

Context and Background

Windows Server 2022 was initially unveiled in March 2021 before reaching general availability later that year. Microsoft designed it as a Long-Term Servicing Channel release, ensuring a decade of support. The transition to extended support marks a significant milestone in the product's lifecycle, shifting the focus from feature updates to essential security maintenance.

In related news, Microsoft also announced that devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions no longer receive security or non-security preview updates. Customers are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2, the latest version also known as the Windows 11 2026 Update. This aligns with previous reporting by Threat Times regarding performance tweaks and UI redesigns in the 26H2 release.

Who Is Affected

IT administrators managing Windows Server 2022 environments are directly impacted by this support change. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 to maintain full mainstream support. Windows Server 2025 began rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024 and achieved general availability in November 2024.

Windows Server 2025 is the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel release for the server platform. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle platform, it will reach the end of mainstream support in November 2029. It will then enter extended support for five additional years, concluding on November 14, 2034.

What should you do?

Organizations should assess their current Windows Server 2022 deployments and plan migration paths to Windows Server 2025. Administrators can use the free 180-day trial available via the Microsoft Evaluation Center to test the newer version before deployment. Detailed servicing dates can be found on the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or via the Lifecycle Policy search tool.

What to do and how to stay safe: Microsoft

• Audit all servers running Windows Server 2022 to determine current patch levels and compatibility with Windows Server 2025.
• Schedule testing of Windows Server 2025 using the 180-day trial to identify potential application or infrastructure conflicts.
• Monitor Microsoft’s security update releases for Windows Server 2022 to ensure continued protection during the extended support phase.
• Review migration timelines to ensure upgrades are completed well before the end of extended support in October 2031.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When does Windows Server 2022 end mainstream support?

Windows Server 2022 reached the end of mainstream support on October 13, 2026.

Will Windows Server 2022 still receive security updates?

Yes, it will receive monthly security updates at no additional cost until October 14, 2031.

When is Windows Server 2025 expected to end mainstream support?

Windows Server 2025 will reach the end of mainstream support in November 2029.