Microsoft reminded business users that version 20H2 of its Windows Server offering is reaching end of life on August 8, 2022.
This Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) release of Microsoft’s server will no longer receive updates, including security patches, after nearly two years of service.
“Windows Server, version 20H2 will reach end of service on August 9, 2022. After August 9, 2022, these devices will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection against the latest security threats,” said confirmed the company in a blog post. Publish (opens in a new tab).
End of life for Windows Server
Much like the shutdown of Windows 7 and 8.1, Microsoft hopes its warning will push users towards its new products and services, and not providing security updates is a surefire way to dissuade users from using outdated software. .
In addition to the 20H2 retirement, Windows Server’s SAC will be removed as the company moves to its Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) “as the primary release channel.”
LTSC users will receive five years of standard support, with the option to upgrade to an additional five years. Updates are typically released every two to three years on the Long-Term Servicing Channel for Windows Server products.
Upgrading from SAC to LTSC is not without a hitch, however. Because they use different channels, this will require a clean install, much to the annoyance of business users. That said, many features that users have grown accustomed to will carry over to the latest LTSC.
Microsoft recommends customers upgrade to Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022 for the latest LTSC experience, but for more frequent updates recommends upgrading to Azure Stack HCI.
As we highlighted earlier, Windows Server 2022 customers can add up to 48 TB of memory and 2,048 logical cores, providing huge scalability for businesses that need it most.
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