Windows Server 20H2 Will Reach End Of Support In August 2022

Two weeks ago we shared information regarding Windows Exchange Server 2013 and how this version will be reaching its end of support early next year.

Now, we’re here to talk about a different version of Windows Server, which will also be taking its victory lap before the permanent end of support.

On that note, know that Microsoft reminded its users that Windows Server (version 20H2) will be reaching its End of Service (EOS) next month, on August 9th.

The company also stated, back in May 2022, that Windows Server 20H2 will reach the mainstream support end date for Standard Core and Datacenter Core users.

Windows Server 20H2 is set to reach EoS in August 2022

For those of you that really use this version of the OS, in order to continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows Server.

Keep in mind that this Semi-Annual Channel release of the Windows Server version (October 20, 2020) will not receive security/non-security updates after the EOS date is reached.

Redmond officials also revealed in its May notification that the Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) would be retired on August 9.

Thus, users still running SAC releases are advised to switch to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), which will become the primary Windows Server release channel.

As Microsoft stated, there will be no future SAC releases of Windows Server, and this product will no longer receive security updates at all after August 9, 2022.

The tech giant also specified that Windows Server is moving to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) as the primary release channel.

As you surely know by now, Windows Server LTSC versions are released every two to three years, with their users entitled to 5 years of mainstream support with an extra five years of extended support.

Remember that you cannot upgrade or change from SAC to LTSC without doing a clean install because they are different servicing channels.

SAC is soon shutting down, so most of the features introduced in this servicing channel have already been rolled up into the next LTSC release of Windows Server.

In conclusion, users are advised to move to Azure Stack HCI for the same release cadence or make the switch to Windows Server 2019/2022 in the LTSC servicing channel.

If you need a bit of assistance upgrading to a new Windows version, you can follow Microsoft’s guide to fix any errors encountered during the update process or use this support document to troubleshoot update problems.