Microsoft has been making client operating systems since 1985, when Windows 1.01 was first launched. However, the first server was not released till 1993 after the introduction of New Technology (NT). Since then, 14 different versions have been released (Windows Server 2022 is the latest version available at the time of writing this post).
Windows Servers are used for enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications. Using this group of operating systems, administrators can apply and implement policies while enhancing their network’s security infrastructure.
In this post, we will discuss the different Windows Server versions, what unique feature(s) they brought, and in what order they were released.
Table of Contents
A common misunderstanding some people have is between the Server versions and their editions. The version of the server is either denoted by integers (this naming convention is no longer used) or suffixed with its corresponding year. For example, previously, Microsoft named a server version “Windows NT 3.5” or “Windows NT 4.0.” Now, they use “Windows Server 2003” or “Windows Server 2019.”
If you are confusing this with the Server editions, click on the link to read more about it.
Windows Server Timeline
The image below illustrates when a Windows Server version was initially released. You can then continue to read below to understand how each of these is different.
Windows Server History
The table below briefly describes the important aspects of each of the Windows Server versions along with some other useful information.
| Server Version | Release Year | Editions | Currently Supported | Details |
| Windows NT 3.1 | 1993 | – | No | First Server version. 32-bit. |
| Windows NT 3.5 | 1994 | – | No | Supports Unix and Novell Netware connectivity. Can be used with existing networks. |
| Windows NT 3.51 | 1995 | – | No | Support for Windows 95 with remote software license management. |
| Windows NT 4.0 | 1996 | – | No | With IIS, Server-edition Terminal, UI similar to Windows 95 |
| Server 2000 | 2000 | Server, Advanced Server, Datacenter Server | No | Integration with Active Directory for user authentication and support for Extensible Market Language. |
| Server 2003 | 2003 | Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter | No | Define Server roles and features, inclusion of .NET. |
| Server 2003 R2 | 2005 | Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter | No | With Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), a Security configuration wizard, and improved data compression capabilities. |
| Server 2008 | 2008 | Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter | No | Introduced Hyper-Virtualization, Event Viewer, and Server Manager. |
| Server 2008 R2 | 2009 | Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter | No | 64-bit OS, enhanced Group Policy implementation, with Remote Desktop Services. |
| Server 2012 | 2012 | Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter | Mainstream ended, extended ending October 2023 | Improved Hyper-V functionality and support added for cloud integration |
| Server 2012 R2 | 2013 | Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter | Mainstream ended, extended ending October 2023 | Windows PowerShell updated and improved storage management. |
| Server 2016 | 2016 | Essentials, Standard, Datacenter | Mainstream ended, extended ending January 2027 | Inclusion of Network Controller and Nano Server, support for containers added. |
| Server 2019 | 2018 | Essentials, Standard, Datacenter | Yes | With Hyper-converged infrastructure, Advanced Threat Protection, and Windows Admin Center. |
| Server 2022 | 2021 | Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, Azure edition | Yes | With Azure Arc, Storage Migration Service, support for hot-patching. |
The table above briefly describes all the significant changes as well as the release details of individual Windows Server versions since Microsoft first launched the operating system back in 1993.
Let us now dig into the details of each version.
Windows Server NT Versions
Initially, Microsoft used the New Technology (NT) terminology when releasing Windows Server. Moreover, the first version ever to be released publicly wasn’t version 1, but it was 3.1.
Another thing to note is that the different editions of each version did not kick in until 2000, with Windows Server 2000. Before that, Servers were only offered as a single, standard edition.
Windows NT Server 3.1
Windows NT Server 3.1 was the first Server by Microsoft. This was an operating system with a 32-bit architecture that was released in 1993. This was released in 2 variants: one for Terminals and another for Servers.
The version for Servers is what evolved into the Server family which continues to date.
Windows NT Server 3.5
Microsoft then skipped directly to version 3.5. Since most networks ran Unix or Novell servers, Windows NT Server 3.5 allowed interconnectivity with these systems for convenient data transmission.
This was a major feature for the sustainability of NT Servers since they were relatively new to the market.
Windows NT Server 3.51
Windows NT Server 3.51 had the capabilities to manage computers running Windows 95 on the same network. Server 3.51 also supported the management of software licenses for client computers and update other Windows 95 machines over the network.
Windows NT Server 4.0
This Server version included a UI similar to Windows 94 and was released in 1996. This included the Internet Information Server (IIS) which was in direct competition with Apache HTTP Server.
Furthermore, Microsoft also added the Transaction Server and the Message Queue Server to improve the OS. In the end, Microsoft improved the connectivity to non-Windows systems and also created a bridge from 16-bit DOS applications so that they could interface with the 32-bit Desktop environment.
Rebranded Windows Server Versions
In 2000, Microsoft dropped the “NT” version naming convention and shifted to a year-based release name. For example, “Windows Server 2000” was released in the year 2000.
Windows Server 2000
Windows Server 2000 was a major milestone for Microsoft since many of the features are still in use today by modern versions of the Server.
Windows Server 2000 included support for XML, creation of Active Server Pages (ASP), and the use of Active Directory for user authentication. It also introduced the concept of tailored editions, which included the standard Windows Server, Microsoft released Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server.
Editions: Server, Advanced Server, Datacenter Server
Windows Server 2003
The major change in Server 2003 was the reduction of system reboot requirements after an event. Microsoft also enhanced the security features of the operating system, and this was the first time that the .NET environment was included with the Windows Server operating system.
It was also the first time a Server was able to assign server roles, enabling the operating system to be tailored to specific specialized tasks, such as a DNS server.
Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter
Windows Server 2003 R2
This was Revision 2 (R2) of Windows Server 2003. This allowed users with valid licenses for Server 2003 to automatically upgrade to Server 2003 R2 without any additional costs.
This version mostly focused on enhancing the security of the OS as well as the network. It introduced Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) for user authentication. The purpose of this AD extension was to enable external services to be included in the “single sign-on” permissions managed within the network.
Another improvement to this version was the Active Directory Application Mode, which improved security by creating an “arm’s length” relationship with third-party applications – it did not trust the apps that well.
Furthermore, administrators were now able to apply and implement Group Policies on other users and computers using the Security Configuration Wizard.
Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 was the first Server OS to include a Hyper-V virtualization system, upon which users can implement Virtual Machines (VMs) and install operating systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Event Viewer and the Server Manager made it easier for the administrators to troubleshoot any issues and then manage their Servers more conveniently.
Not only that, but Microsoft went a step ahead and also introduced the Core version of Windows Server 2008, which was a command line-based OS with a bare minimum User Interface (UI).
Editions: Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter
Windows Server 2008 R2
This was the first Server to have a 64-bit architecture. Windows Server 2008 R2 made significant improvements to the Active Directory Group Policy implementation, with the inclusion of new policies. It also included Remote Desktop Services for the very first time on a Server OS.
Editions: Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 included better features for off-site server integration. This was mainly done by Microsoft so it can be integrated with cloud servers and services. Furthermore, they also updated the storage system with this OS, which was mediated by Hyper-V itself.
Not only that, but the Hyper-V virtual switch and Hyper-V Replica were also introduced in Server 2012.
Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter
Windows Server 2012 R2
This revision to Server 2012 made further improvements to the cloud integration. It also included updates to Windows PowerShell. Virtualization and storage technologies were also overhauled and the Web services were enhanced.
Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter
Windows Server 2016
Server 2012 introduced the Nano Server – a minimal, lightweight server implementation to minimize the attack surface. An encryption system was also added for Hyper-V to secure the VMs.
Another milestone for Microsoft was the support for containers.
That said, at this point, Microsoft discontinued R2 versions of the Servers as they had shifted to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC).
Server 2016 also included the Network Controller. This enabled administrators to manage both physical as well as virtual network devices using a single console. However, this feature is only available in the Datacenter edition.
Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter
Windows Server 2019
Previously known as Project Honolulu, Windows Admin Center was launched for the first time and is an integrated all-in-one console to manage your Active Directory. Integrated servers, machines, and users can also be managed using this one console only, along with services and server roles.
It also includes Hyperconvereged Infrastructure (HCI) capabilities which is a software that combines all of the basic data center elements, such as computing, storage, networking, and management, into a single software. This facility aims to obtain all the functions of a miniature data center without the additional hardware costs.
You can read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post for Server 2019.
Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter
Windows Server 2022
Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of Server at the time of writing this post.
This includes Azure Arc, which is used to manage and govern on-prem servers within Microsoft Azure. Furthermore, it also includes support for hotpatching – which is installing updates without having to reboot the target PC.
Improvements to networking have also been improved by the inclusion of software-defined networking capabilities. Supports SMB over QUIC capability for safer communications. It’s designed for VPN replacement and relies on UDP and TLS 1.3 protocols for faster and safer communication.
You can read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post for Server 2022.
Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure edition
Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 introduces features such as hotpatching, which allows for applying updates without restarting, and enhanced NVMe performance for better storage handling.
It also includes updates to Active Directory and SMB protocols, improving security and efficiency. It’s still in Public Preview and will be released soon. You can download Windows Server 2025 now.
Final Thoughts
Windows Server has come a long way since its debut in 1993. This has improved UI as well as many other functional improvements for manageability. Such improvements are the reason why Microsoft releases new versions every few years – so organizations can take advantage of the new features.
Each of these versions then had different variants, which are known as editions. You may click on the link to learn about the different editions and how they differ from one another. But it doesn’t end here.
The Datacenter and Standard editions also come with different variants – which are the Core and Desktop Experience variants.
To sum up, the complete name of a Windows Server operating system can be as such: Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Core Evaluation. This means that the version is Server 2022, the edition is Datacenter with the bare minimum UI (Core), and is the Evaluation edition and only valid for a total of 180 days since its installation.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windows Server
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Source model |
|
| Initial release | July 27, 1993; 31 years ago |
| Latest preview | vNext (10.0.26280) / September 6, 2024; 8 months ago[1] |
| Update method |
|
| Default user interface |
|
| License | Trialware, SaaS, or volume licensing |
| Official website | www |
Windows Server (formerly Windows NT Server) is a brand name for server-oriented releases of the Windows NT operating system (OS) that have been developed by Microsoft since 1993. The first release under this brand name is Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, an edition of Windows NT 3.1. With the release of Windows Server 2003, Microsoft started releasing new versions under the name Windows Server. The latest release of Windows NT under the Windows Server brand is Windows Server 2025.[2]
Microsoft’s history of developing operating systems for servers goes back to Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. Windows 2000 Server is the first release to include Active Directory, DNS Server, DHCP Server, and Group Policy.
History
Windows NT Server 3.x
Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was released on July 27, 1993[citation needed] as an edition of Windows NT 3.1, an operating system aimed towards business and server use. As with its Workstation counterpart, Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was a 32 bit rewrite of the Windows kernel that retained a similar use interface to Windows 3.1. Unlike the latter, however, Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was a complete operating system that did not need to be run from DOS. Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, like its Workstation counterpart, featured new features such as multiuser support and preemptive multitasking.[3]
In 1994, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 3.5. It introduced TCP/IP and Winsock support integrated into the operating system, alongside the ability to use FTP. It also supported VFAT.[citation needed]
In 1995, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 3.51, an update to Windows NT Server 3.5, which added NTFS compression and support for the PowerPC architecture.[citation needed]
Windows NT Server 4.0
In 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 4.0. It added the new user interface introduced in Windows 95 the previous year. In addition, it dropped support for the PowerPC, Alpha, and MIPS architectures. Microsoft updated Winsock to version 2 and IIS 2.0 and FrontPage are included.[citation needed]
Windows 2000 Server
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 is based on a modified version of Windows XP.
Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 is based on Windows Vista SP1, while Windows Server 2008 R2 is based on Windows 7.
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 is based on Windows 8, while Windows Server 2012 R2 is based on Windows 8.1.
Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022
These versions of Windows Server are all based on Windows 10. Windows Server 2016 is based on Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2019 is based on Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2022 is based on a modified version of Windows 10, version 21H2.
Windows Server 2025
This version of Windows Server is based on Windows 11. Windows Server 2025 is based on Windows 11, version 24H2.[4]
Members
Main releases
Main releases include:
- Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server (July 27, 1993)
- Windows NT Server 3.5 (September 21, 1994)
- Windows NT Server 3.51 (May 30, 1995)
- Windows NT 4.0 Server (August 24, 1996)
- Windows 2000 Server (December 15, 1999)
- Windows Server 2003 (April 24, 2003)[5]
- Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 6, 2005)[6]
- Windows Server 2008 (February 27, 2008)[7]
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 22, 2009)[8]
- Windows Server 2012 (September 4, 2012)[9]
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 17, 2013)[10]
- Windows Server 2016 (October 12, 2016)[11]
- Windows Server 2019 (October 2, 2018)[12]
- Windows Server 2022 (August 18, 2021)[13]
- Windows Server 2025 (November 1, 2024)[14]
Traditionally, Microsoft supports Windows Server for 10 years, with five years of mainstream support and an additional five years of extended support. These releases also offer a complete desktop experience. Starting with Windows Server 2008, Server Core and Nano Server configurations were made available to reduce the OS footprint.[15][16] Between 2015 and 2021, Microsoft referred to these releases as «long-term support» releases to set them apart from semi-annual releases (see below.)
For sixteen years, Microsoft released a major version of Windows Server every four years, with one minor version released two years after a major release. The minor versions had an «R2» suffix in their names. In October 2018, Microsoft broke this tradition with the release of Windows Server 2019, which would have been «Windows Server 2016 R2». Windows Server 2022 is also a minor upgrade over its predecessor.[17][18]
Branded releases
Certain editions of Windows Server have a customized name:
- Windows Storage Server (editions of Windows Server 2003 through 2016; editions of Windows Server IoT 2019 and its successors)[19][20][21]
- Windows HPC Server 2008
- Windows HPC Server 2008 R2
- Windows Home Server (an edition of Windows Server 2003)
- Windows Home Server 2011 (an edition of Windows Server 2008 R2)
- Hyper-V Server (a discontinued,[22] freeware edition of Windows Server 2008 through 2019)[23]
- Windows MultiPoint Server
- Windows Server Essentials[24][25]
- Windows Essential Business Server (discontinued)[26]
- Azure Stack HCI (an edition of Windows Server 2019 and later)[27]
Semi-Annual releases (discontinued)
Following the release of Windows Server 2016, Microsoft attempted to mirror the lifecycle of Windows 10 in the Windows Server family, releasing new versions twice a year which were supported for 18 months. These semi-annual versions were only available as part of Microsoft subscription services, including Software Assurance, Azure Marketplace, and Visual Studio subscriptions,[28] until their discontinuation in July 2021.[29][28]
The semi-annual releases do not include any desktop environments. Instead, they are restricted to the Nano Server configuration installed in a Docker container,[16][28] and the Server Core configuration, licensed only to serve as a container host.[16][28]
Semi-Annual releases include:[30]
- Windows Server, version 1709 (unsupported as of April 9, 2019; 6 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1803 (unsupported as of November 12, 2019; 5 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1809 (unsupported as of November 10, 2020; 4 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1903 (unsupported as of December 8, 2020; 4 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1909 (unsupported as of May 11, 2021; 4 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 2004 (unsupported as of December 14, 2021; 3 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 20H2 (unsupported as of August 9, 2022; 2 years ago)[31][32][33][34]
Annual releases
The Annual Channel was first announced in July 2023, with the first version being released on September the same year. Unlike the Semi-Annual releases, each Annual Channel release would receive six months of extended support in addition to the 18 months of regular support. Annual releases are made available every twelve months, hence the name. Datacenter is the only edition available.
Annual releases include:[35]
- Windows Server, version 23H2
See also
- List of Microsoft Windows versions
- Microsoft Servers
- Linux range of use § Servers, mainframes and supercomputers
- NetWare
- Open Enterprise Server
References
- ^ «Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26280». Microsoft Tech Community. September 6, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
when reporting issues please refer to «VNext» rather than Windows Server 2025 which is currently in market.
- ^ «Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility». Microsoft Windows Server Blog. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ «30 years of Windows Server». TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
- ^ Woolsey, Jeff. «Introducing Windows Server 2025! — Microsoft Tech Community». Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ «Windows Server 2003 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. March 8, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2003 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. March 8, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2008 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2008 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2012 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. January 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2012 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ «Windows Server 2016 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ «Windows Server 2019 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2022 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ Woolsey, Jeff. «Introducing Windows Server 2025». Microsoft Tech Community Hub. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ «What is Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)? – Definition from WhatIs.com». SearchWindowsServer. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ a b c «Windows Server – Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) vs Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) – Thomas Maurer». Thomas Maurer. November 19, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ Sommergut, Wolfgang (August 24, 2021). «Windows Server 2022 released: Overview of new features». 4sysops. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021.
- ^ Foley, Mary Jo (August 20, 2021). «Microsoft’s Windows Server 2022 is rolling out to mainstream users». ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Storage Server Lifecycle (EOL)». EndOfLife.Software.
- ^ «Windows Server IoT 2019 for Storage». Microsoft.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server IoT 2022». Microsoft.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ Christensen, Elden (March 25, 2022). «Hyper-V in the 2022 Wave». Microsoft Tech Community. Self-published.
- ^ «Hyper-V Server». Search Product and Services Lifecycle Information. Microsoft. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Small Business Server 2008 Technical FAQ». Windows Server Essentials documentations. Microsoft. December 14, 2010 – via Microsoft Docs.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (September 3, 2011). «Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials». Supersite for Windows. Penton Media. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
- ^ «Windows Essential Business Server». TechNet Archive. Microsoft. February 7, 2012 – via Microsoft Docs.
- ^ «Deploy the Azure Stack HCI operating system». Azure Docs. Microsoft. October 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c d «Windows Server servicing channels». Windows Server Library. Microsoft. July 5, 2022. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022.
- ^ «Microsoft to retire semi-annual Windows Server updates, will move entirely to LTSC releases». Neowin. July 28, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server». Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel. Microsoft. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ «Windows message center: Windows Server, version 20H2 has reached end of servicing». August 9, 2022. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server release information». docs.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows Server, version 20H2». docs.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ Popa, Bogdan. «Microsoft Retires Windows Server Version 20H2». news.softpedia.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server». Windows Server Annual Channel. Microsoft. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
External links
- Official website
Windows Server (formerly Windows NT Server) is a group of operating systems (OS) for servers by
Microsoft. The brand name was changed to Windows Server in 2003.
| Release | Released | Active Support | Security Support | Extended Security Updates | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Windows Server 2025 (LTSC) |
6 months ago
(01 Nov 2024) |
Ends (09 Oct 2029) |
Ends (10 Oct 2034) |
Unavailable |
10.0.26100 |
|
23H2 |
1 year and 6 months ago
(24 Oct 2023) |
Ended (24 Apr 2025) |
Ends (24 Oct 2025) |
Unavailable |
10.0.25398 |
|
Windows Server 2022 (LTSC) |
3 years and 9 months ago
(18 Aug 2021) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
Ends (14 Oct 2031) |
Unavailable |
10.0.20348 |
|
20H2 |
4 years and 6 months ago
(20 Oct 2020) |
Ended (09 Aug 2022) |
Ended (09 Aug 2022) |
Unavailable |
10.0.19042 |
|
Windows Server 2004 |
4 years and 11 months ago
(27 May 2020) |
Ended (14 Dec 2021) |
Ended (14 Dec 2021) |
Unavailable |
10.0.19041 |
|
Windows Server 1909 |
5 years ago
(12 Nov 2019) |
Ended (11 May 2021) |
Ended (11 May 2021) |
Unavailable |
10.0.18363 |
|
Windows Server 1903 |
5 years and 12 months ago
(21 May 2019) |
Ended (08 Dec 2020) |
Ended (08 Dec 2020) |
Unavailable |
10.0.18362 |
|
Windows Server 1809 |
6 years ago
(13 Nov 2018) |
Ended (10 Nov 2020) |
Ended (10 Nov 2020) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17763 |
|
Windows Server 2019 (LTSC) |
6 years ago
(13 Nov 2018) |
Ended (09 Jan 2024) |
Ends (09 Jan 2029) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17763 |
|
Windows Server 1803 |
7 years ago
(30 Apr 2018) |
Ended (12 Nov 2019) |
Ended (12 Nov 2019) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17134 |
|
Windows Server 1709 |
7 years ago
(17 Oct 2017) |
Ended (09 Apr 2019) |
Ended (09 Apr 2019) |
Unavailable |
10.0.16299 |
|
Windows Server 2016 (LTSC) |
8 years ago
(15 Oct 2016) |
Ended (11 Jan 2022) |
Ends (12 Jan 2027) |
Unavailable |
10.0.14393 |
|
2012-R2 (LTSC) |
11 years ago
(25 Nov 2013) |
Ended (09 Oct 2018) |
Ended (10 Oct 2023) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
6.3.9600 |
|
Windows Server 2012 (LTSC) |
12 years ago
(30 Oct 2012) |
Ended (09 Oct 2018) |
Ended (10 Oct 2023) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
6.2.9200 |
|
2008-R2-SP1 (LTSC) |
14 years ago
(22 Feb 2011) |
Ended (13 Jan 2015) |
Ended (14 Jan 2020) |
Ended (10 Jan 2023) |
6.1.7601 |
|
2008-SP2 (LTSC) |
16 years ago
(29 Apr 2009) |
Ended (13 Jan 2015) |
Ended (14 Jan 2020) |
Ended (10 Jan 2023) |
6.0.6003 |
|
2003-SP2 (LTSC) |
18 years ago
(13 Mar 2007) |
Ended (13 Jul 2010) |
Ended (14 Jul 2015) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
2003-SP1 |
20 years ago
(30 Mar 2005) |
Ended (14 Apr 2009) |
Ended (14 Apr 2009) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
Windows Server 2003 (LTSC) |
22 years ago
(24 Apr 2003) |
Ended (10 Apr 2007) |
Ended (10 Apr 2007) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
Windows Server 2000 (LTSC) |
25 years ago
(17 Feb 2000) |
Ended (30 Jun 2005) |
Ended (13 Jul 2010) |
Unavailable |
5.0.2195 |
Servicing channels
There have been historically three primary release channels available:
- Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
- Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
- Annual Channel (AC)
The Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) was retired on August 9, 2022. There will be no future SAC releases of Windows Server.
The Windows Server Annual Channel (AC) was released after the retirement of the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). The first release of the Annual Channel (AC) was on October 24, 2023.
Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
With the Long-Term Servicing Channel, a new major version of Windows Server is released every 2-3 years. Users are entitled to 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. The Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue to receive security and non-security updates, but it will not receive the new features and functionality.
Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
Each release in this channel is supported for 18 months from the initial release. Most of the features introduced in the Semi-Annual Channel have been rolled up into the next Long-Term Servicing Channel release of Windows Server.
In this model, Windows Server releases were identified by the year and month of release: for example, in 2017, a release in the 9th month (September) would be identified as version 1709. Fresh releases of Windows Server in the Semi-Annual Channel occurred twice each year. The support lifecycle for each release is 18 months. Starting with fall 2020 (20H2) releases, the identification changed. Instead of a month, the release is named based on the release cycle. For example: version 20H2, for a release in the second half of the year 2020.
Annual Channel (AC)
Similar to Semi-Annual Channel (SAC), but releases occurred every 12 months.
The support lifecycle for each release is 18 months of mainstream support, plus 6 months of extended support.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For some releases, customers also have the option to purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU).
It includes Critical and/or Important security updates for a maximum of three years after the
product’s End of Extended Support date. Customers can also get technical support for the ESU period
as long as they also have an active support plan.
More information is available on the Microsoft Windows Server website.
You should be running one of the supported release numbers listed above in the rightmost column.
You can submit an improvement to this page
on GitHub
.
This page has a corresponding Talk Page.
A JSON version of this page is available at /api/v1/products/windows-server/.
See the API Documentation for more information.
You can subscribe to the iCalendar feed at /calendar/windows-server.ics.
| Name / Description | Version | Build Number | Public Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows NT 3.1 | 3.10 | 511 | 1993-07-27 |
| Windows NT 3.5 | 3.50 | 807 | 1994-09-21 |
| Windows NT 3.1, Service Pack 3 | 3.10 | 528 | 1994-11 |
| Windows NT 3.51 | 3.51 | 1057 | 1995-05-30 |
| Windows 95 | 4.00 | 950 | 1995-08-24 |
| Windows 95 OEM Service Release 1 | 4.00 | 950 A | 1996-02-14 |
| Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2 | 4.00 | 950 B | 1996-08-24 |
| Windows NT 4.0 | 4.0 | 1381 | 1996-08-24 |
| Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2.1 | 4.00 | 950 B | 1997-08-27 |
| Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2.5 | 4.00 | 950 C | 1997-11-26 |
| Windows 98 | 4.10 | 1998 | 1998-05-15 |
| Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) | 4.10 | 2222 | 1999-05-05 |
| Windows 2000 | 5.0 | 2195 | 2000-02-17 |
| Windows Me | 4.90 | 3000 | 2000-09-14 |
| Windows XP | 5.1 | 2600 | 2001-10-25 |
| Windows XP, Service Pack 1 | 5.1 | 2600.1105-1106 | 2002-09-09 |
| Windows Server 2003 | 5.2 | 3790 | 2003-04-24 |
| Windows XP, Service Pack 2 | 5.1 | 2600.2180 | 2004-08-25 |
| Windows Server 2003, Service Pack 1 | 5.2 | 3790.1180 | 2005-03-30 |
| Windows Server 2003 R2 | 5.2 | 3790 | 2005-12-06 |
| Windows Vista | 6.0 | 6000 | 2007-01-30 |
| Windows Server 2003, Service Pack 2 | 5.2 | 3790 | 2007-03-13 |
| Windows Home Server | 5.2 | 4500 | 2007-11-04 |
| Windows Vista, Service Pack 1 | 6.0 | 6001 | 2008-02-04 |
| Windows Server 2008 | 6.0 | 6001 | 2008-02-27 |
| Windows XP, Service Pack 3 | 5.1 | 2600 | 2008-04-21 |
| Windows Vista, Service Pack 2 | 6.0 | 6002 | 2009-05-26 |
| Windows Server 2008, Service Pack 2 | 6.0 | 6002 | 2009-05-26 |
| Windows 7 | 6.1 | 7600 | 2009-10-22 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | 6.1 | 7600 | 2009-10-22 |
| Windows 7, Service Pack 1 | 6.1 | 7601 | 2011-02-22 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2, Service Pack 1 | 6.1 | 7601 | 2011-02-22 |
| Windows Home Server 2011 | 6.1 | 8400 | 2011-04-06 |
| Windows Server 2012 | 6.2 | 9200 | 2012-09-04 |
| Windows 8 | 6.2 | 9200 | 2012-10-26 |
| Windows 8.1 | 6.3 | 9600 | 2013-08-27 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | 6.3 | 9600 | 2013-10-18 |
| Windows 10, Version 1507 | 10.0 | 10240 | 2015-07-29 |
| Windows 10, Version 1511 | 10.0 | 10586 | 2015-11-10 |
| Windows 10, Version 1607 | 10.0 | 14393 | 2016-08-02 |
| Windows Server 2016, Version 1607 | 10.0 | 14393 | 2016-10-15 |
| Windows 10, Version 1703 | 10.0 | 15063 | 2017-04-05 |
| Windows 10, Version 1709 | 10.0 | 16299 | 2017-10-17 |
| Windows 10, Version 1803 | 10.0 | 17134 | 2018-04-30 |
| Windows Server 2019, Version 1809 | 10.0 | 17763 | 2018-11-13 |
| Windows 10, Version 1809 | 10.0 | 17763 | 2018-11-13 |
| Windows Server 2008, Service Pack 2, Rollup KB4489887 | 6.0 | 6003 | 2019-03-19 |
| Windows 10, Version 1903 | 10.0 | 18362 | 2019-05-21 |
| Windows 10, Version 1909 | 10.0 | 18363 | 2019-11-12 |
| Windows Server, Version 1909 | 10.0 | 18363 | 2019-11-12 |
| Windows 10, Version 2004 | 10.0 | 19041 | 2020-05-27 |
| Windows Server, Version 2004 | 10.0 | 19041 | 2020-05-27 |
| Windows 10, Version 20H2 | 10.0 | 19042 | 2020-10-20 |
| Windows Server, Version 20H2 | 10.0 | 19042 | 2020-10-20 |
| Windows 10, Version 21H1 | 10.0 | 19043 | 2021-05-18 |
| Windows Server 2022, Version 21H2 | 10.0 | 20348 | 2021-08-18 |
| Windows 11, Version 21H2 | 10.0 | 22000 | 2021-10-04 |
| Windows 10, Version 21H2 | 10.0 | 19044 | 2021-11-16 |
| Windows 11, Version 22H2 | 10.0 | 22621 | 2022-09-20 |
| Windows 10, Version 22H2 | 10.0 | 19045 | 2022-10-18 |
| Windows Server, Version 23H2 | 10.0 | 25398 | 2023-10-24 |
| Windows 11, Version 23H2 | 10.0 | 22631 | 2023-10-31 |
| Windows 11, Version 24H2 | 10.0 | 26100 | 2024-10-01 |