Windows Server 2022 Mainstream Support Ends in 60 Days
Microsoft has issued a reminder that Windows Server 2022 will exit mainstream support in October 2026, moving into its extended support phase. During mainstream support, Microsoft provides free security and non-security updates, along with the option to request feature changes and design fixes. Once extended support begins, only security updates are guaranteed at no extra cost, while non-security fixes typically require a paid support agreement.
For organizations running Windows Server 2022 in production, this transition doesn't mean an immediate loss of protection, but it does signal that the free-update runway is shortening. Extended support for Windows Server 2022 is slated to continue for years afterward, giving admins time to plan migrations rather than scramble.
Microsoft is using these milestones to encourage upgrades to Windows Server 2025 or a shift toward Azure-hosted infrastructure, where extended security updates can be bundled differently.