Windows Server 2022 is built on the strong foundation of Windows Server 2019 and brings innovations in security and application platform, allowing customers to have a more robust and secure environment. To continue ensuring Azure remains the best possible experience with the highest standards of safety and reliability, we will be retiring Windows Server 2019 on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and AKS hybrid in 3-years time.
What does this mean for me?
Windows Server 2019 will be retiring on AKS and AKS-Hybrid in March 2026.
On AKS
Kubernetes version 1.32 will be the final version where Windows Server 2019 is supported on AKS. When Kubernetes version 1.32 is at the end of life on AKS, Windows Server 2019 will no longer be supported. Upgrades to Kubernetes 1.33 on AKS will be blocked if there are any remaining Windows Server 2019 node pools in the cluster.
On AKS hybrid
Windows Server 2019 will no longer be supported after 31 March 2026. This means in April 2026 and onwards, Windows Server 2019 node pools will not be available from supported AKS-Hybrid releases.
Windows Server 2022 on AKS and AKS-Hybrid offers numerous advantages and enhancements. At a high level, Windows Server 2022 offers smaller base container images sizes , improved networking support, and new feature development is prioritized. Features like Azure Network Policy Manager, Azure CNI Overlay, and Azure CNI dynamic IP allocation are currently offered for Windows only on Windows Server 2022. Learn more about Windows Server 2022 from our recent announcements:
- Microsoft Announces General Availability of Windows Server 2022 on Azure Kubernetes Service
- AKS on Azure Stack HCI and Windows Server 2023-03-15 Update - Microsoft Community Hub
We want to prioritize the satisfaction and success of our customers, which is why we are committed to ensuring there is ample time and resources to upgrade to our latest and greatest operating system on our platforms. In this spirit, we are pleased to offer several guides to help our customers migrate to Windows Server 2022. These resources have been carefully curated to provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and best practices to simplify the migration process and ensure a successful transition. Our goal is to make the migration process as seamless as possible, so our customers can take full advantage of the many benefits and enhancements offered by Windows Server 2022.
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