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Windows Server 2025 is quite close to be released (before the end of 2024), but what about the lifecycle of Windows Server products and which version is still supported?

Windows products are governed by both a Modern Lifecycle Policy or a Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Search for the product lifecycle for your specific Windows product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy and end-of-support dates.

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows Server. Go here for support dates. Updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the updates that preceded it.

A Windows quality update is an incremental monthly update to Windows products that includes bug fixes, feature improvements, and security issue resolutions. A Windows feature update is an annual update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable. Go here for more information on these terms.

Windows Server VersionLifecycle start dateMainstream End DateExtended End Date
Windows Server NT 4.015 Dec 199731 Dec 200231 Dec 2004
Windows Server 200031 Mar 200030 Jun 200513 Jul 2010
Windows Server 200328 May 200313 Jul 201014 Jul 2015
Windows Server 2003 R213 Mar 200713 Jul 201014 Jul 2015
Windows Server 200806 May 200813 Jan 201514 Jan 2020
Windows Server 2008 R222 Oct 200913 Jan 201514 Jan 2020
Windows Server 201230 Oct 20129 Oct 201810 Oct 2023
Windows Server 2012 R225 Nov 20139 Oct 201810 Oct 2023
Windows Server 201615 Oct 201611 Jan 202212 Jan 2027
Windows Server 201913 Nov 20189 Jan 20249 Jan 2029
Windows Server 202218 Aug 202113 Oct 202614 Oct 2031

Beginning in September 2023, Windows Server has two primary release channels available: the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). The Long-Term Servicing Channel provides a longer-term option focusing on stability, whereas the Annual Channel provides more frequent releases. Click here for more information.

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