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Microsoft Windows Server CoreEnd of Life (EOL) Dates & Support Status
Active
Operating SystemsLatest Version: 10.0.26100Latest Release: N/A
Windows Server Core is a minimal installation option of Windows Server without the GUI, reducing attack surface.
Support summary
Microsoft Windows Server Core has cycles in security-only maintenance. Production workloads should move toward actively supported releases.
What do EOL and support statuses mean?Next EOL
Jan 12, 2027
Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 · 107 days left
Supported cycles
4
8 lts
Versions
16
Latest Version
10.0.26100
Active Support
2
EOL
12
Lifecycle Timeline
Oct 17, 2017As of Sep 27, 2026
2025Active · Oct 10, 2034
2022Active · Oct 14, 2031
20h2EOL · Aug 9, 2022
2004EOL · Dec 14, 2021
1909EOL · May 11, 2021
1903EOL · Dec 8, 2020
1809EOL · Nov 10, 2020
2019Security · Jan 9, 2029
1803EOL · Nov 12, 2019
1709EOL · Apr 9, 2019
ActiveSecurityEOLHistorical phase unknown
Bars show history up to the snapshot date. Gray intervals lack dated support boundaries; arrows indicate an unannounced EOL date, not a support guarantee.
Versions
| Release | Release Date | Active Support | EOL | Latest Version | LTS | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nov 1, 2024 | Oct 9, 2029 | Oct 10, 2034 | 10.0.26100 | Yes | Active |
| 2022 | Aug 18, 2021 | Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 14, 2031 | 10.0.20348 | Yes | Active |
| 20h2 | Oct 20, 2020 | Aug 9, 2022 | Aug 9, 2022 | 10.0.19042 | No | EOL |
| 2004 | May 27, 2020 | Dec 14, 2021 | Dec 14, 2021 | 10.0.19041 | No | EOL |
| 1909 | Nov 12, 2019 | May 11, 2021 | May 11, 2021 | 10.0.18363 | No | EOL |
| 1903 | May 21, 2019 | Dec 8, 2020 | Dec 8, 2020 | 10.0.18362 | No | EOL |
| 1809 | Nov 13, 2018 | Nov 10, 2020 | Nov 10, 2020 | 10.0.17763 | No | EOL |
| 2019 | Nov 13, 2018 | Jan 9, 2024 | Jan 9, 2029 | 10.0.17763 | Yes | Security |
| 1803 | Apr 30, 2018 | Nov 12, 2019 | Nov 12, 2019 | 10.0.17134 | No | EOL |
| 1709 | Oct 17, 2017 | Apr 9, 2019 | Apr 9, 2019 | 10.0.16299 | No | EOL |
| 1607 | Oct 15, 2016 | Jan 11, 2022 | Jan 11, 2022 | 10.0.14393 | No | EOL |
| 2016 | Oct 15, 2016 | Jan 11, 2022 | Jan 12, 2027 | 10.0.14393 | Yes | Security |
| 2012-r2 | Nov 25, 2013 | Oct 9, 2018 | Oct 10, 2023 | 6.3.9600 | Yes | EOL |
| 2012 | Oct 30, 2012 | Oct 9, 2018 | Oct 10, 2023 | 6.2.9200 | Yes | EOL |
| 2008-r2-sp1 | Feb 22, 2011 | Jan 13, 2015 | Jan 14, 2020 | 6.1.7601 | Yes | EOL |
| 2008-sp2 | Apr 29, 2009 | Jan 13, 2015 | Jan 14, 2020 | 6.0.6003 | Yes | EOL |
Data sources
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<a href="https://eol.wiki/windows-server-core/"><img src="https://eol.wiki/badge/windows-server-core.svg" alt="Microsoft Windows Server Core end-of-life status" height="20"></a>Frequently Asked Questions
Which versions of Microsoft Windows Server Core have reached end of life?
The following Microsoft Windows Server Core versions have reached end of life and no longer receive security updates: 20h2, 2004, 1909, 1903, 1809, 1803, 1709, 1607 (and 4 more). It is recommended to upgrade to a supported version.
Is it safe to continue using Microsoft Windows Server Core 20h2?
Microsoft Windows Server Core 20h2 has reached end of life and no longer receives security patches or bug fixes. Continuing to use it may expose your systems to known vulnerabilities. We strongly recommend upgrading to a supported version.
What is the latest version of Microsoft Windows Server Core?
The latest version of Microsoft Windows Server Core is 10.0.26100, released in the 2025 release cycle.
How many versions of Microsoft Windows Server Core are currently supported?
Microsoft Windows Server Core currently has 4 actively supported version(s): 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016.
When does Microsoft Windows Server Core 2025 reach end of life?
Microsoft Windows Server Core 2025 is scheduled to reach end of life on Oct 10, 2034.
What should I do when Microsoft Windows Server Core reaches end of life?
When a Microsoft Windows Server Core version reaches end of life, you should: 1) Plan your migration to a supported version as soon as possible. 2) Review the release notes for breaking changes. 3) Test your applications thoroughly in a staging environment. 4) Update your dependencies to ensure compatibility with the new version.