check before: 2026-05-06
Product:
Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Windows Update can be used to perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server without installation media. This Windows Server feature update can help move Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2019 installations to Windows Server 2025, following the same process used to download monthly updates through Windows Update.
Upgrading helps keep your servers secure, supported, and able to use the latest features and performance improvements. Plan your installation and learn about the in-place upgrade paths by version, prerequisites, and restrictions, at Opt-In Windows Server 2025 Feature Update from the WS 2022 and WS 2019 Settings Dialog.
When will this happen:
This feature update path is available now. To see the Windows Server 2025 offer in Settings > Windows Update, servers must meet these update baselines:
Windows Server 2022: March 2026 Cumulative Update (KB5078766) or later.
Windows Server 2019: March 2026 Cumulative Update (KB5078752) or later.
As always, we recommend you install the latest security update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions.
Please note that additional steps are required to display the upgrade offer. See the resources in the Additional Information section.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-05-06
updated:
2026-05-06
Task Type
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Incompatibility with existing applications
Applications that are not compatible with Windows Server 2025 may fail to function properly, leading to disruptions in services.
- roles: System Administrator, Application Support Specialist
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/install-upgrade-migrate?tabs=windows-update, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-in-place?tabs=windows-update
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-in-place?tabs=windows-update
Downtime during upgrade process
The in-place upgrade process may require significant downtime, impacting user access to services and applications.
- roles: System Administrator, End User
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/install-upgrade-migrate?tabs=windows-update, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windowsservernewsandbestpractices/opt-in-windows-server-2025-feature-update-from-the-ws-2022-and-ws-2019-settings-/4515961
Loss of data or settings
If the upgrade process encounters issues, there is a risk of data loss or misconfiguration of server settings, affecting user experience.
- roles: System Administrator, Data Analyst
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-in-place?tabs=windows-update, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078752
Increased resource consumption
The upgrade process may temporarily increase CPU and memory usage, potentially slowing down server performance and affecting user experience.
- roles: System Administrator, Network Engineer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/install-upgrade-migrate?tabs=windows-update, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078766
Security vulnerabilities during transition
If the upgrade is not properly managed, there may be a window of time where the system is vulnerable to attacks, impacting user trust and data security.
- roles: System Administrator, Security Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/get-started/install-upgrade-migrate?tabs=windows-update, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windowsservernewsandbestpractices/opt-in-windows-server-2025-feature-update-from-the-ws-2022-and-ws-2019-settings-/4515961
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 7 days ago ago
