[German]Microsoft is cutting Windows Server channels and eliminating the semi-annual upgrade channels in the future. Starting with the upcoming Windows Server 2022, there will only be so-called LTSC variants every two to three years, which will get five years of mainstream support and another five years of extended support with security updates..
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Microsoft announced this Windows Server release information document, updated on July 26, 2021. However, the semia-annual channel for previous server versions will continue to be supported until the dates given by Microsoft in the published table. About this Microsoft writes:
The Semi-Annual Channel in previous versions of Windows Server focused on containers and microservices, and this will continue with Azure Stack HCI.
With the Long-Term Servicing Channel, Microsoft aims to provide systems with a long maintenance option and functional stability. The whole thing can be installed with Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation options. The Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue to receive security and non-security updates, but no new features and functions.
| Windows Server release | Version | Build number | Availability | Mainstream support end date | Extended support end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server, version 20H2 (Semi-Annual Channel) (Datacenter Core, Standard Core) | 20H2 | 19042.508.200927-1902 | 10/20/2020 | 05/10/2022 | Not applicable |
| Windows Server, version 2004 (Semi-Annual Channel) (Datacenter Core, Standard Core) | 2004 | 19041.264.200508-2205 | 05/27/2020 | 12/14/2021 | Not applicable |
| Windows Server, version 1909 (Semi-Annual Channel) (Datacenter Core, Standard Core) | 1909 | 18363.418.191007-0143 | 11/12/2019 | 05/11/2021 | Not applicable |
| Windows Server 2019 (Long-Term Servicing Channel) (Datacenter, Essentials, Standard) | 1809 | 17763.107.1010129-1455 | 11/13/2018 | 01/09/2024 | 01/09/2029 |
| Windows Server 2016 (Long-Term Servicing Channel) (Datacenter, Essentials, Standard) | 1607 | 14393.0 | 10/15/2016 | 01/11/2022 | 01/11/2027 |
I think Microsoft bows to the factual with this, since no one updates their servers every year. All details can be read in the linked article in case of doubt.
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