Windows Server 2022 or 2025: which to choose?
Quick answer
Windows Server 2025 is the newest version: extended support until 14 November 2034, against 14 October 2031 for 2022. Both are licensed the same way (cores and CALs), but CALs must be the server’s version or newer.
The two versions side by side
| Windows Server 2022 | Windows Server 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| End of mainstream support | 13 October 2026 (ended) | 13 November 2029 |
| End of extended support | 14 October 2031 | 14 November 2034 |
| Licence | Per core (16 minimum per server) + CAL | Per core (16 minimum per server) + CAL |
| At Licenciel | Standard €39.90 · Datacenter €69.90 | Datacenter €89.90 · Standard: on quote |
Dates: extended support for 2022 according to Microsoft; for 2025, according to the Windows Server release information page (dates may differ by a day depending on time zone).
How to choose
- New server, long lifespan: 2025, which stays supported three years longer than 2022.
- Business application validated only on 2022: 2022, until its vendor has validated 2025.
- Migrating from 2016: both work; see the end of support for Windows Server 2016.
Licences: what changes when buying
The model is the same (core licences, then CALs). A CAL must be of the server’s version or newer: a 2025 server needs 2025 CALs; a 2022 CAL is enough for a 2022 or earlier server. Details: core and CAL licensing explained, and for your server: the licence calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Server 2022 still supported?
Yes: it moved to extended support on 13 October 2026, with security fixes until 14 October 2031.
Do my 2022 CALs work with a 2025 server?
No: the CAL must be the server’s version or newer. A 2025 server needs 2025 CALs.
Standard or Datacenter?
Standard includes 2 virtualised environments, Datacenter unlimited: see the per-core licensing guide.