Microsoft: Windows Server 2022 reached end of mainstream support

Windows Server 2022, released in September 2021 as a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release, has reached the end of its mainstream support lifecycle as of October 13, 2026. Mainstream support included feature updates and security patches, but now only extended support remains, which provides security updates at no additional cost until October 14, 2031. Hotpatching support for the Datacenter: Azure Edition is extended until October 2027. Microsoft advises customers to plan upgrades to Windows Server 2025, the next LTSC release, which began general availability in November 2024 and will receive mainstream support until November 2029 and extended support until November 2034. This lifecycle transition is part of Microsoft's regular product support policy and does not indicate a new vulnerability or exploit.

The end of mainstream support means Windows Server 2022 will no longer receive feature updates or non-security improvements, but it will continue to receive security updates during the extended support phase until October 2031. Systems running Windows Server 2022 remain supported for security patches, reducing immediate risk. However, organizations should plan upgrades to maintain full support and access to new features. Hotpatching support for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems continues for one additional year beyond mainstream support, enhancing patch flexibility for those environments.

No immediate action is required to address a vulnerability since this is a lifecycle announcement. Organizations should plan and execute upgrades to Windows Server 2025 to maintain full mainstream support and access to new features. Continue applying security updates provided during the extended support phase. For Datacenter: Azure Edition users, hotpatching remains available until October 2027. Regular patching and upgrade planning aligned with Microsoft's lifecycle policies are recommended.