Windows Server Annual Channel (preview) retirement date and replacement

Name: Windows Server Annual Channel (preview) retires (Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS))
Start: 2026-05-15
End: 2026-05-15

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) · Cloud service · retired May 15, 2026 (retired)Unverified

Dates

Checked Sep 25, 2026 on Microsoft's page

Retired	May 15, 2026 (retired)
Announced	Feb 23, 2026
Replacement	None named
Notice	Windows Server Annual Channel (Preview) on AKS will be retired on May 15, 2026, please transition to Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) by that date.
Source	azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates?id=557224

Date	Change	Source
Sep 25	Announced2026-05-15UnverifiedWindows Server Annual Channel (Preview) on AKS will be retired on May 15, 2026, please transition to Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) by that date.Source	Source

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