This topic provides a comprehensive guide to the lifecycle of Windows Server and describes strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the end of support for Windows Server 2008/2012.
Windows server lifecycle overview
Windows Server, developed by Microsoft, is extensively utilized in enterprise settings to deliver network services, file storage, application hosting, security management, and virtualization capabilities, supporting enterprise IT infrastructure and business applications. Alibaba Cloud provides a Windows Server public image, sourced from Microsoft and supported by both Alibaba Cloud and Microsoft's in-house employees, offering technical assistance to users.
Windows Server products typically undergo Mainstream Support, Extended Support, and eventually reach the End of Support phase. For more information, see the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
As indicated in the table below, Windows Server 2012 and earlier versions have concluded their extended support. Users operating these systems on ECS instances should take necessary actions to continue receiving software updates and security patches, mitigating the effects of the operating system's end of support.
Version | Release Date | Mainstream Support End Date | Extended Support End Date | Extended Security Update End Date |
Windows Server 2025 | 2024-11-01 | 2029-10-09 | 2034-10-10 | - |
Windows Server 2022 | 2021-08-18 | 2026-10-13 | 2031-10-14 | - |
Windows Server 2019 | 2018-11-13 | 2024-01-09 | 2029-01-09 | - |
Windows Server 2016 | 2016-10-15 | 2022-01-11 | 2027-01-12 | - |
Windows Server 2012 | 2012-10-30 | 2018-10-09 | 2023-10-10 | 2026-10-13 |
Windows Server 2008 | 2008-05-06 | 2015-01-13 | 2020-01-14 | 2023-01-10 |
Windows Server 2003 | 2003-05-28 | 2010-07-13 | 2015-07-14 | - |
Impact of Windows server end of support
Following Microsoft's official timeline for Windows Server operating system changes, users will experience the following impacts:
After January 14, 2021, Windows Server 2008 users will no longer receive any software maintenance or support, including fixes and feature updates.
After October 10, 2023, Windows Server 2012 users will no longer receive any software maintenance or support, including fixes and feature updates.
Alibaba Cloud public images and ECS services will also experience some impact:
ECS instances using Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012 will continue to function normally without disruption.
Service support for the Windows Server operating system will align with Microsoft's official support timeline.
Recommended solutions for Windows server end of support overview
The end of life (EOL) for an operating system requires a strategic approach based on the current business context. For instance, if the related business is nearing its unpublishing, the EOL event may be disregarded. In private network environments, where the business is not publicly exposed, the risks associated with operating system EOL are relatively manageable and can be addressed selectively.
For services exposed to the public network and businesses with high demands for system stability and security, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the risks of EOL and promptly devise contingency plans:
For new businesses
Using Windows Server images that have reached the EOL phase to create new ECS instances for service provision is not advisable. Instead, consider using Windows Server operating systems that are still within the Mainstream Support phase for hosting your business.
For existing businesses
In the short term, for those using Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012, subscribing to the Extended Security Update (ESU) service is recommended to secure the latest security updates and fixes.
For long-term business stability, it is advisable to begin preparing and assessing an operating system upgrade plan as soon as possible.
Upgrade to a newer version
In-place upgrading is a supported and recommended method for upgrading Windows Server to a newer version. This approach is particularly suitable for enterprises wanting to maintain existing workflows and configurations, as it preserves applications, settings, and data on the instance. It also ensures continued access to security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. The Alibaba Cloud Server Migration Center (SMC) is recommended for in-place migration, as it encapsulates Microsoft's official upgrade procedures, enabling users to complete the upgrade more conveniently through the interface. The supported source and target operating systems for in-place migration via SMC, along with the relevant operation documents, are listed below.
Source Operating System | Target Operating System | Step Description and Reference Document |
Windows Server 2008 | Windows Server 2016 |
|
Windows Server 2012 | Windows Server 2016 | |
Windows Server 2012 R2 | Windows Server 2016 | |
Windows Server 2019 |
Subscribe to extended security update (ESU) service
If upgrading to a new version is not immediately feasible, purchasing Microsoft's ESU subscription is an option. The ESU plan provides a temporary solution to maintain security while transitioning to a newer supported platform, offering critical and important security updates for up to three years past the product's extended support end date. The ESU for Windows Server 2008 concluded on January 10, 2023, and the extended support for Windows Server 2012 ended on October 10, 2023. The ESU will expire on October 13, 2026. For more details about ESU, refer to Extended Security Updates.
References
For official lifecycle plans of each operating system, see Operating System Lifecycle.