Microsoft

The end of support for Windows Server version 20H2 is coming

The end of support for Windows Server version 20H2 is coming

Microsoft is now reminding users that support for Windows Server version 20H2 is ending. The end of support is scheduled for August when this server version will no longer receive security or quality updates. At the same time, this also applies to the Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel.

In August of last year, Microsoft decided to part with the previously offered Semi-Annual Channel for Windows Server and instead publish only “LTSC” editions. LTSC stands for the “Long-Term Servicing Channel”, in which Microsoft will only provide a major update every two to three years (no decision made yet).

Last update planned for August patch day

Anyway, with the August Patch Day, scheduled for August 9, 2022, Microsoft will end support for the latest version of the semi-annual channel and for Windows Server version 20H2. After the support period ends, Windows Server versions will no longer receive security or quality updates.

It is therefore especially important for companies to consider a change in good time and to update to newer versions. With the LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) versions, security updates are guaranteed for ten years from the release of the version. Alternatively, Microsoft recommends switching to Azure Stack HCI. In the Windows Release Health Documentation it now says:

End of maintenance for Windows Server version 20H2 on August 9, 2022

  • As a reminder, on August 9, 2022, all editions of Windows Server version 20H2 will reach the end of maintenance. The upcoming August 2022 security update, which will be released on August 9, 2022, is the last update available for this version. After this date, devices with this release will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that protect against the latest security vulnerabilities.
  • The Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) is also being retired at this time. There will be no future SAC versions of Windows Server. Windows Server transitions to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) as the primary publishing channel.
  • Customers using Windows Server SAC should move to Azure Stack HCI. Alternatively, customers can also use the Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel. For more information, see Windows Server Release Information.
July 25, 2022