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How to upgrade Windows Server 2022 from 21h2

SJ 0 Reputation points
2025-01-13T08:35:17.6233333+00:00

Hi all,

Just a background: I currently have a windows server 2022 21h2 (December 2024 updated) device. I am seeking to upgrade my device to 22h2 or 23h2. Based on what I found so far, 21h2 is the LTSC version and it will be impossible to upgrade my device to 22h2 or 23h2. However, I found some threads saying that it is possible. Furthermore, I used a 22h2 upgrade by running both the 22h2 servicing stack and the Cumulative upgrade and managed to move my system from 21h2 to 22h2.

Q1: Is the upgrade only possible if I do a clean install on my device? Meaning that I do a clean install to 23h2 instead of doing the in-place update

Q2: Was the upgrade to 22h2 not a proper upgrade?

Thank you in advance.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Shikha Ghildiyal 2,170 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2025-01-13T08:51:59.1266667+00:00

    Hi SJ,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    I recommend you to follow detailed instructions mentioned in this guide - https://zcusa.951200.xyz/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-conversion-options

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

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  2. Hania Lian 20,276 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2025-01-14T08:32:42.95+00:00

    Hello,

    Q1: Is the upgrade only possible if I do a clean install on my device?

    Yes, you are correct. Windows Server 2022 21H2 is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), while 22H2 and 23H2 are part of the Annual Channel. Because they are different servicing channels, an in-place upgrade from 21H2 to 22H2 or 23H2 is not supported. You would need to perform a clean install to move to 22H2 or 23H2.

    Q2: Was the upgrade to 22h2 not a proper upgrade?

    Yes, if you are using Windows Server 2022 21H2 edition, you cannot upgrade to 22H2 by installing a patch because it is a different product. You'll need to back up your data and settings before doing a clean install.

    Have a nice day.

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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