Earlier this year, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 20H2 consumer editions (Home and Professional), and now it’s time to say goodbye to Windows Server 20H2. Microsoft has updated its official Windows Message Center with a new notice about the upcoming end of support for Windows Server 20H2.
Microsoft plans to stop providing security updates for all versions of Windows Server version 20H2 on August 9, 2022. The upcoming August “Patch Tuesday” update will be the last version of the operating system.
In addition to discontinuing support for Windows Server 20H2, Microsoft is also discontinuing the Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). The Semi-Annual Channel provides faster access to new features and functionality, so its support period is only 18 months. Microsoft does not intend to offer a new SAC version at the end of the Windows Server 20H2 life cycle, and the primary channel for Windows Server is now the Long Term Services Channel or LTSC version.
Microsoft recommends that users with Windows Server half-year channels migrate to Azure Stack HCI or use the operating system’s Long-Term Services channel. The latter gets 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support, which means the latest Windows Server 2022 release will remain “active” until October 14, 2031.
As for consumer-grade versions of Windows, Microsoft currently has active support for three versions: Windows 10 21H1, Windows 10 21H2, and Windows 11 21H2. Windows 10 version 21H1 will end support later this year, on December 13, 2022. But don’t worry too much, the last version of Windows 10, 21H2, is expected to be supported until 2025.
