Windows Server 2022 Enters Extended Support, With Security Updates Continuing to 2031

Windows Server 2022 has reached the end of mainstream support and transitioned to extended support, with monthly security updates continuing at no additional cost through October 2031. The transition is not an end to security patching. Microsoft’s official lifecycle page lists mainstream support ending October 14, 2026, and extended support ending October 15, 2031, in Pacific Time; BleepingComputer reports dates one day earlier. The lifecycle covers Standard, Essentials, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure Edition, and Windows Server 2022 containers.

Microsoft advised administrators to plan upgrades to Windows Server 2025 to regain mainstream support. BleepingComputer also reports that hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition has been extended through October 2027, although the supplied Microsoft lifecycle page still ties hotpatching for its Core installation option to the end of mainstream support. Administrators should confirm hotpatch eligibility and the applicable support deadline before relying on that extension, while continuing regular security updates and planning migrations.