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Retirement of Windows Server Annual Channel on AKS

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deprecation

Microsoft Azure is retiring the Windows Server Annual Channel on AKS on May 15, 2026. Customers are encouraged to transition to the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) to benefit from longer support cycles and stability. After May 15, 2026, new node images and security patches will cease, and existing node images will be removed by May 15, 2027, impacting scaling and remediation operations. Migration to LTSC is required by May 15, 2026, using the provided guide.

  • →Windows Server Annual Channel on AKS to be retired May 15, 2026
  • →Impact of retirement on node pools and operations
  • →Required action: Migrate to Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
Deprecations (3) ›
  • Windows Server Annual Channel on AKS to be retired May 15, 2026

    The Windows Server Annual Channel on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) will be retired on May 15, 2026. After this date, AKS will no longer produce new node images or provide security patches for this channel.

  • Impact of retirement on node pools and operations

    Following the retirement, customers will be unable to create new node pools using the Windows Server Annual Channel. By May 15, 2027, all existing node images will be removed, causing failures in scaling and remediation operations.

  • Required action: Migrate to Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)

    Customers must migrate their Windows Server Annual Channel node pools to the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) by May 15, 2026. This transition is recommended to ensure continued support and stability, leveraging LTSC's longer support cycles. A migration guide is available.

Read the original announcement →

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates/?id=557224

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