2022-DATACENTER-AZURE-EDITION vs Windows (Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Azure Edition)

jbutler 0 Reputation points
2026-09-22T15:19:09.3133333+00:00

I keep getting nasty grams telling me I need to make changes to avoid disruption. Yet when I read through the complete email it says existing standalone VM's will not be effected. We don't have .net 6 installed on any of our boxes but I really don't want an unexpected disruption. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines

An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-22T15:19:22.0066667+00:00

    Existing standalone Azure VMs running Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition are not expected to be disrupted by the Marketplace image retirement notice. The notice is about the legacy Marketplace image source, not about shutting down or invalidating already-running VMs.

    Supported facts for the scenario described:

    • Existing VMs continue to run normally after the deadline.
    • Existing VMs continue to receive Windows Server OS security updates through normal Windows Update, as long as the OS itself remains supported.
    • The main impact after the retirement date is on image-based operations, such as creating new VMs from the retired image or relying on the old image source for fresh deployments.
    • Microsoft recommends moving to the newer Windows Server 2022 Marketplace images for new deployments and for staying aligned with the supported image baseline.
    • The refreshed Windows Server 2022 images no longer include end-of-support .NET packages, including .NET 6.

    For the concern about unexpected disruption: the available guidance indicates no immediate runtime interruption for already-created standalone VMs. If those VMs are not using .NET 6, the practical risk is lower, but planning a phased rebuild onto the newer image remains the recommended long-term path.

    References:

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  2. Jose Benjamin Solis Nolasco 12,601 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-22T19:57:35.85+00:00

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A,

    @jbutler I hope you are doing well,

    If your existing standalone VM was created from 2022-DATACENTER-AZURE-EDITION, the Marketplace image deprecation does not mean that the VM will suddenly stop running or become unavailable. Microsoft’s guidance indicates that existing VMs continue operating after the image deprecation.

    The change primarily affects new VM deployments and image-based operations using the deprecated image. Microsoft is providing the newer windowsserver2022 offer without the end-of-support .NET packages.

    Since you confirmed that your servers do not use .NET 6, there is no indication in the current guidance of an immediate runtime disruption. However, I would still plan the migration for future deployments rather than continuing to depend on the deprecated image.

    Also note that Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition itself remains supported until October 15, 2031; the Marketplace image deprecation is separate from the Windows Server product lifecycle.

    References:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/servicing/os/azure-marketplace/windows-server/2026/windows-server-images-for-september-2026

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/deprecated-images

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2022-datacenter-azure-edition

    If this answer helped clarify the platform capabilities and save you troubleshooting time, please consider marking it as Accepted. This helps others in the community find similar solutions.

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