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Windows Server EoL

Handian Sudianto 6,846 Reputation points
2026-02-23T23:27:54.2366667+00:00

If we see the Windows Server Lifecycle Policy from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2022 then there are 2 dates, Mainstream End Date and Extended End Date.

What the different and which one is refering with EoL?

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
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  1. Harry Phan 15,915 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-24T03:10:44.37+00:00

    The two dates reflect different phases of Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy. The Mainstream End Date (October 13, 2026 for Windows Server 2022) marks the end of full support, which includes security updates, feature updates, and non-security fixes. After that point, the product enters Extended Support until the Extended End Date (October 14, 2031), during which only critical security updates are provided - no new features or non-security hotfixes. When Extended Support ends, the product is officially considered End of Life (EoL), meaning no further updates or support are available.

    So in short, EoL refers to the Extended End Date, while the Mainstream End Date simply indicates the transition from full support to limited support.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-23T23:28:01.24+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    In the context of Windows Server Lifecycle Policy, the two dates you mentioned refer to different phases of support for the product:

    1. Mainstream End Date: This marks the end of the mainstream support phase, during which the product receives regular updates, including security updates, non-security updates, and technical support. After this date, the product transitions to the extended support phase.
    2. Extended End Date: This date indicates the end of the extended support phase. During this phase, the product may still receive security updates, but no new features or non-security updates will be provided. Once this date is reached, the product is considered to have reached its End of Life (EoL), meaning it will no longer receive any updates or support from Microsoft.

    Thus, the EoL refers to the Extended End Date, after which the product is no longer supported at all.

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