Microsoft Product
Windows Server Annual Channel
Windows Server Annual Channel is a Microsoft product filed under Operating Systems. Lifecycle: versioned, 1 version listed, latest 23H2 (24 Oct 2023).
Releases and Lifecycle
All Microsoft productsRelease and support dates as published by Microsoft; dates within the next 12 months are highlighted, past dates dimmed. Retrieved 2026-10-13.
Windows Server Annual Channel 1 version
Annual Channel (AC) for containers, available since September 2023 alongside the Long-Term Servicing Channel.
| Version | Released | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 23H2Modern Lifecycle PolicyMicrosoft lists the retirement date as "In Support" and publishes no end date on the lifecycle page. The servicing channels article states each Annual Channel release is supported for 24 months from initial release (18 months mainstream plus 6 months extended), Server Core only, for container hosts. | [2][509][510] |
Lifecycle Policy
- Modern Lifecycle Policy. Products and services that are serviced continuously and remain in support while customers stay current, are licensed and Microsoft still offers support, with at least 12 months' notice before support ends when no successor is offered. [2]
Sources 3
- Modern Lifecycle Policy retrieved 2026-10-13
- Windows Server Annual Channel - Microsoft Lifecycle retrieved 2026-10-13
- Windows Server servicing channels retrieved 2026-10-13