"On October 13, 2026, Windows Server 2022 will reach end of mainstream support," Microsoft said on Friday.
The headline: mainstream support ends October 13, 2026
Microsoft has notified customers that Windows Server 2022 — the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release that became generally available in September 2021 — will reach the end of mainstream support on October 13, 2026. According to the company, the October 2026 security update will be the last mainstream support update available for this version.
After that date, Microsoft said, "Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support, which includes security updates at no additional cost, and will continue to receive monthly security updates through October 14, 2031."
Hotpatching extension for Datacenter: Azure Edition until October 2027
Microsoft also announced a separate timeline for hotpatching. For systems running the Datacenter: Azure Edition, hotpatching support has been extended until October 2027 — one year beyond the mainstream end date. The company framed this as an added allowance for those using the Datacenter: Azure Edition while other mainstream servicing ends.
This site is the portfolio.
OSINTSights runs on Cloudflare Workers, D1, R2, and Vectorize, with an AI pipeline on Hetzner ARM. Nubivance designed, built, and operates it. We do the same for clients.
See what we buildWindows Server 2025: Microsoft’s recommended upgrade path
Microsoft advised administrators to plan upgrades to Windows Server 2025 before Windows Server 2022 goes out of support. The company said Windows Server 2025 "is now the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release for Windows Server."
Microsoft noted that Windows Server 2025 started rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024 and "reached general availability in November 202." The firm gave explicit lifecycle dates for the newer release: Windows Server 2025 will reach the end of mainstream support on November 13, 2029, and will have an additional five years of extended support until November 14, 2034.
To help customers evaluate the upgrade, Microsoft said administrators can use a free 180-day Windows Server 2025 trial available via the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Windows 10 consumer ESU extension and other lifecycle resources
Separately, Microsoft quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year. The company said enrolled Windows 10 devices can keep receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.
Microsoft pointed customers to its Windows Lifecycle FAQ page and the Lifecycle Policy search tool for more servicing dates, and also provides a detailed list of products that will be retired or will reach the end of support this year.
What this means for administrators, consumers, and procurement teams
- Administrators: Microsoft explicitly advised admins to upgrade systems to Windows Server 2025 for full mainstream support and to "evaluate upgrade options and begin deployment testing early to help ensure a smooth transition." The company reiterated the availability of a 180-day trial to assist testing.
- Consumers on Windows 10: Devices enrolled in the free Windows 10 ESU program will continue to receive updates through October 12, 2027, giving consumer endpoints a distinct, time-limited extension independent of Windows Server timelines.
- Procurement and IT planning teams: The posted lifecycle dates for both Windows Server 2022 (extended security updates through October 14, 2031) and Windows Server 2025 (mainstream end November 13, 2029; extended support until November 14, 2034) provide fixed milestones for budgeting, purchase cycles, and long-term support contracts.
Microsoft’s calendar of support and extended servicing creates clear checkpoints for organizations that must balance the operational burden of upgrades with the need to remain on supported, patched platforms. The company’s notice sets October 13, 2026, as the turning point for Windows Server 2022 mainstream servicing and offers concrete upgrade and testing paths toward Windows Server 2025 in the months ahead.
