Microsoft deprecates the Semi-Annual Channel of Windows Server releases. The change goes live with Windows Server 2022, which will exist in the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) only, and will be supported for 10 years.
Microsoft expects to make Windows Server 2022 available as an LTSC version in the second half of 2021. The software is technically complete, but the company is testing it with OEM partners and customers who have chosen to evaluate the product.
Windows Server will stop receiving Semi-Annual Channel updates with version 20H2, which was released in October 2020. The previous releases, namely Windows Server 1909 and 2004 won't receive extended support as well. However, Windows Server 2016 and Server 2019 are Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. Microsoft plans to support them on the following schedule:
- Windows Server 2016 will receive updates till 2027
- Windows Server 2019 will receive updates till 2029
The Semi-Annual Channel hosts more recent releases with new features, which the Software giant issues twice a year. The new Long-Term Servicing Channel is a different thing. It won't receive new functionality and drastic changes. These releases will only get security and non-security updates.
With the Long-Term Servicing Channel, a new major version of Windows Server is released every 2-3 years, says the official documentation. Releases will have 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support.
The following table contains the actual support dates, provided by Microsoft.
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