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 reach end of support early next year.

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

On that note, be aware that Microsoft has reminded its users that Windows Server (version 20H2) will reach end of service (EOS) next month, August 9th.

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

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

For those of you who really use this version of the operating system, in order to continue to receive 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 Release (October 20, 2020) will not receive security/non-security updates once the EOS date is reached.

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

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

As Microsoft has 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 clarified that Windows Server is moving to Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) as the primary release channel.

As you surely know by now, Windows Server LTSC releases are released every two to three years, with users entitled to 5 years of general support with an additional five years of extended support.

Remember that you cannot upgrade or move from SAC to LTSC without doing a fresh install as they are different servicing channels.

SAC is nearing closure, so most of the features introduced in this servicing channel have already made it into the next LTSC release of Windows Server.

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

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