Windows Server 2016 Operating System: A Comprehensive Overview of Releases and Updates

Windows Server 2016 Operating System stands as a pivotal release in Microsoft’s server operating system lineage, introducing key features and improvements tailored for modern IT infrastructure. Understanding its release channels, servicing options, and update history is crucial for IT professionals managing environments that utilize or consider this robust server platform.

Windows Server, including the 2016 version, primarily utilizes two release channels: the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). However, it’s important to note that Windows Server 2016 was initially released under the Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) nomenclature, which is conceptually similar to LTSC but reflects the naming convention at the time of its release. The core principle of the LTSB/LTSC is to offer a stable, longer-term platform focusing on traditional security and quality updates, making it ideal for environments prioritizing stability over rapid feature deployment.

For organizations seeking rapid innovation, Microsoft introduced the Annual Channel (AC), providing more frequent feature releases, particularly geared towards containerization and microservices. While Windows Server 2016 itself is an LTSB release, understanding the distinction between these channels helps contextualize its position within the broader Windows Server ecosystem.

Windows Server 2016: Editions, Servicing, and Lifecycle

The Windows Server 2016 operating system, under the Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB), was made available on August 2, 2016. It offered several editions to cater to diverse organizational needs, including Datacenter, Essentials, and Standard. Each edition is designed to meet specific workload and size requirements, with Datacenter being the most comprehensive, Standard for general-purpose needs, and Essentials for small businesses.

Windows Server 2016 operates under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, ensuring predictable support timelines. While mainstream support has ended, extended support for Windows Server 2016 is scheduled to continue until January 12, 2027. This extended phase provides critical security updates, allowing organizations ample time to plan and execute upgrades or migrations as needed.

Windows Server 2016 Update History: Maintaining a Secure and Stable Platform

Understanding the update history of Windows Server 2016 operating system is vital for maintaining a secure and optimized server environment. As part of the Long-Term Servicing Branch, Windows Server 2016 receives monthly security and quality updates. These updates are cumulative, meaning each package contains all previous updates, simplifying management and ensuring systems are consistently up-to-date with the latest fixes.

The following table details the monthly security and non-security preview updates released for Windows Server 2016 (OS build 14393). This historical record is invaluable for IT administrators needing to track specific updates, troubleshoot issues, or ensure compliance with update policies.

Windows Server 2016 (OS build 14393) | Servicing option | Update type | Availability date | Build | KB article |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| LTSB | 2025-02 B | 2025-02-11 | 14393.7785 | KB5052006 |
| LTSB | 2025-01 B | 2025-01-14 | 14393.7699 | KB5049993 |
| LTSB | 2024-12 B | 2024-12-10 | 14393.7606 | KB5048671 |
| LTSB | 2024-11 B | 2024-11-12 | 14393.7515 | KB5046612 |
| LTSB | 2024-10 B | 2024-10-08 | 14393.7428 | KB5044293 |
| LTSB | 2024-09 B | 2024-09-10 | 14393.7336 | KB5043051 |
| LTSB | 2024-08 B | 2024-08-13 | 14393.7259 | KB5041773 |
| LTSB | 2024-07 B | 2024-07-09 | 14393.7159 | KB5040434 |
| LTSB | 2024-06 B | 2024-06-11 | 14393.7070 | KB5039214 |
| LTSB | 2024-05 B | 2024-05-14 | 14393.6981 | KB5037763 |
| LTSB | 2024-04 B | 2024-04-09 | 14393.6897 | KB5036899 |
| LTSB | 2024-03 OOB | 2024-03-22 | 14393.6800 | KB5037423 |
| LTSB | 2024-03 B | 2024-03-12 | 14393.6796 | KB5035855 |
| LTSB | 2024-02 B | 2024-02-13 | 14393.6709 | KB5034767 |
| LTSB | 2024-01 B | 2024-01-09 | 14393.6614 | KB5034119 |
| LTSB | 2023-12 B | 2023-12-12 | 14393.6529 | KB5033373 |
| LTSB | 2023-11 B | 2023-11-14 | 14393.6452 | KB5032197 |
| LTSB | 2023-10 B | 2023-10-10 | 14393.6351 | KB5031362 |
| LTSB | 2023-09 B | 2023-09-12 | 14393.6252 | KB5030213 |
| LTSB | 2023-08 B | 2023-08-08 | 14393.6167 | KB5029242 |
| LTSB | 2023-07 B | 2023-07-11 | 14393.6085 | KB5028169 |
| LTSB | 2023-06 OOB | 2023-06-23 | 14393.5996 | KB5028623 |
| LTSB | 2023-06 B | 2023-06-13 | 14393.5989 | KB5027219 |
| LTSB | 2023-05 B | 2023-05-09 | 14393.5921 | KB5026363 |
| LTSB | 2023-04 B | 2023-04-11 | 14393.5850 | KB5025228 |
| LTSB | 2023-03 B | 2023-03-14 | 14393.5786 | KB5023697 |
| LTSB | 2023-02 B | 2023-02-14 | 14393.5717 | KB5022838 |
| LTSB | 2023-01 B | 2023-01-10 | 14393.5648 | KB5022289 |
| LTSB | 2022-12 B | 2022-12-13 | 14393.5582 | KB5021235 |
| LTSB | 2022-11 OOB | 2022-11-17 | 14393.5502 | KB5021654 |
| LTSB | 2022-11 B | 2022-11-08 | 14393.5501 | KB5019964 |
| LTSB | 2022-10 OOB | 2022-10-18 | 14393.5429 | KB5020439 |
| LTSB | 2022-10 B | 2022-10-11 | 14393.5427 | KB5018411 |
| LTSB | 2022-09 B | 2022-09-13 | 14393.5356 | KB5017305 |
| LTSB | 2022-08 B | 2022-08-09 | 14393.5291 | KB5016622 |
| LTSB | 2022-07 B | 2022-07-12 | 14393.5246 | KB5015808 |
| LTSB | 2022-06 B | 2022-06-14 | 14393.5192 | KB5014702 |
| LTSB | 2022-05 OOB | 2022-05-19 | 14393.5127 | KB5015019 |
| LTSB | 2022-05 B | 2022-05-10 | 14393.5125 | KB5013952 |
| LTSB | 2022-04 B | 2022-04-12 | 14393.5066 | KB5012596 |
| LTSB | 2022-03 B | 2022-03-08 | 14393.5006 | KB5011495 |
| LTSB | 2022-02 B | 2022-02-08 | 14393.4946 | KB5010359 |
| LTSB | 2022-01 OOB | 2022-01-17 | 14393.4889 | KB5010790 |
| LTSB | 2022-01 B | 2022-01-11 | 14393.4886 | KB5009546 |
| LTSB | 2022-01 OOB | 2022-01-05 | 14393.4827 | KB5010195 |
| LTSB | 2021-12 B | 2021-12-14 | 14393.4825 | KB5008207 |
| LTSB | 2021-11 OOB | 2021-11-14 | 14393.4771 | KB5008601 |
| LTSB | 2021-11 B | 2021-11-09 | 14393.4770 | KB5007192 |
| LTSB | 2021-10 B | 2021-10-12 | 14393.4704 | KB5006669 |
| LTSB | 2021-09 B | 2021-09-14 | 14393.4651 | KB5005573 |
| LTSB | 2021-08 B | 2021-08-10 | 14393.4583 | KB5005043 |
| LTSB | 2021-07 OOB | 2021-07-29 | 14393.4532 | KB5005393 |
| LTSB | 2021-07 B | 2021-07-13 | 14393.4530 | KB5004238 |
| LTSB | 2021-07 OOB | 2021-07-07 | 14393.4470 | KB5004948 |
| LTSB | 2021-06 B | 2021-06-08 | 14393.4467 | KB5003638 |
| LTSB | 2021-05 B | 2021-05-11 | 14393.4402 | KB5003197 |
| LTSB | 2021-04 B | 2021-04-13 | 14393.4350 | KB5001347 |
| LTSB | 2021-03 OOB | 2021-03-18 | 14393.4288 | KB5001633 |
| LTSB | 2021-03 B | 2021-03-09 | 14393.4283 | KB5000803 |
| LTSB | 2021-02 B | 2021-02-09 | 14393.4225 | KB4601318 |
| LTSB | 2021-01 B | 2021-01-12 | 14393.4169 | KB4598243 |
| LTSB | 2020-12 B | 2020-12-08 | 14393.4104 | KB4593226 |
| LTSB | 2020-11 OOB | 2020-11-19 | 14393.4048 | KB4594441 |
| LTSB | 2020-11 B | 2020-11-10 | 14393.4046 | KB4586830 |
| LTSB | 2020-10 B | 2020-10-13 | 14393.3986 | KB4580346 |
| LTSB | 2020-09 B | 2020-09-08 | 14393.3930 | KB4577015 |
| LTSB | 2020-08 B | 2020-08-11 | 14393.3866 | KB4571694 |
| LTSB | 2020-07 B | 2020-07-14 | 14393.3808 | KB4565511 |
| LTSB | 2020-06 OOB | 2020-06-18 | 14393.3755 | KB4567517 |
| LTSB | 2020-06 B | 2020-06-09 | 14393.3750 | KB4561616 |
| LTSB | 2020-05 B | 2020-05-12 | 14393.3686 | KB4556813 |
| LTSB | 2020-04 C | 2020-04-21 | 14393.3659 | KB4550947 |
| LTSB | 2020-04 B | 2020-04-14 | 14393.3630 | KB4550929 |
| LTSB | 2020-03 C | 2020-03-17 | 14393.3595 | KB4541329 |
| LTSB | 2020-03 B | 2020-03-10 | 14393.3564 | KB4540670 |
| LTSB | 2020-02 C | 2020-02-25 | 14393.3542 | KB4537806 |
| LTSB | 2020-02 B | 2020-02-11 | 14393.3504 | KB4537764 |
| LTSB | 2020-01 C | 2020-01-23 | 14393.3474 | KB4534307 |
| LTSB | 2020-01 B | 2020-01-14 | 14393.3443 | KB4534271 |
| LTSB | 2019-12 B | 2019-12-10 | 14393.3384 | KB4530689 |
| LTSB | 2019-11 B | 2019-11-12 | 14393.3326 | KB4525236 |
| LTSB | 2019-10 C | 2019-10-15 | 14393.3300 | KB4519979 |
| LTSB | 2019-10 B | 2019-10-08 | 14393.3274 | KB4519998 |
| LTSB | 2019-09 OOB | 2019-10-03 | 14393.3243 | KB4524152 |
| LTSB | 2019-09 C | 2019-09-24 | 14393.3242 | KB4516061 |
| LTSB | 2019-09 OOB | 2019-09-23 | 14393.3206 | KB4522010 |
| LTSB | 2019-09 B | 2019-09-10 | 14393.3204 | KB4516044 |
| LTSB | 2019-08 C | 2019-08-17 | 14393.3181 | KB4512495 |
| LTSB | 2019-08 B | 2019-08-13 | 14393.3144 | KB4512517 |
| LTSB | 2019-07 C | 2019-07-16 | 14393.3115 | KB4507459 |
| LTSB | 2019-07 B | 2019-07-09 | 14393.3085 | KB4507460 |
| LTSB | 2019-06 OOB | 2019-06-27 | 14393.3056 | KB4509475 |
| LTSB | 2019-06 C | 2019-06-18 | 14393.3053 | KB4503294 |
| LTSB | 2019-06 B | 2019-06-11 | 14393.3025 | KB4503267 |
| LTSB | 2019-05 C | 2019-05-23 | 14393.2999 | KB4499177 |
| LTSB | 2019-05 OOB | 2019-05-19 | 14393.2972 | KB4505052 |
| LTSB | 2019-05 B | 2019-05-14 | 14393.2969 | KB4494440 |
| LTSB | 2019-04 C | 2019-04-25 | 14393.2941 | KB4493473 |
| LTSB | 2019-04 OOB | 2019-04-25 | 14393.2908 | KB4499418 |
| LTSB | 2019-04 B | 2019-04-09 | 14393.2906 | KB4493470 |
| LTSB | 2019-03 C | 2019-03-19 | 14393.2879 | KB4489889 |
| LTSB | 2019-03 B | 2019-03-12 | 14393.2848 | KB4489882 |
| LTSB | 2019-02 C | 2019-02-19 | 14393.2828 | KB4487006 |
| LTSB | 2019-02 B | 2019-02-12 | 14393.2791 | KB4487026 |
| LTSB | 2019-01 C | 2019-01-17 | 14393.2759 | KB4480977 |
| LTSB | 2019-01 B | 2019-01-08 | 14393.2724 | KB4480961 |
| LTSB | 2018-12 OOB | 2018-12-19 | 14393.2670 | KB4483229 |
| LTSB | 2018-12 B | 2018-12-11 | 14393.2665 | KB4471321 |
| LTSB | 2018-11 OOB | 2018-12-03 | 14393.2641 | KB4478877 |
| LTSB | 2018-11 C | 2018-11-27 | 14393.2639 | KB4467684 |
| LTSB | 2018-11 B | 2018-11-13 | 14393.2608 | KB4467691 |
| LTSB | 2018-10 C | 2018-10-18 | 14393.2580 | KB4462928 |
| LTSB | 2018-10 B | 2018-10-09 | 14393.2551 | KB4462917 |
| LTSB | 2018-09 C | 2018-09-20 | 14393.2515 | KB4457127 |
| LTSB | 2018-09 B | 2018-09-11 | 14393.2485 | KB4457131 |
| LTSB | 2018-08 C | 2018-08-30 | 14393.2457 | KB4343884 |
| LTSB | 2018-08 B | 2018-08-14 | 14393.2430 | KB4343887 |
| LTSB | 2018-07 OOB | 2018-07-30 | 14393.2396 | KB4346877 |
| LTSB | 2018-07 C | 2018-07-24 | 14393.2395 | KB4338822 |
| LTSB | 2018-07 OOB | 2018-07-16 | 14393.2368 | KB4345418 |
| LTSB | 2018-07 B | 2018-07-10 | 14393.2363 | KB4338814 |
| LTSB | 2018-06 C | 2018-06-21 | 14393.2339 | KB4284833 |
| LTSB | 2018-06 B | 2018-06-12 | 14393.2312 | KB4284880 |
| LTSB | 2018-05 C | 2018-05-17 | 14393.2273 | KB4103720 |
| LTSB | 2018-05 B | 2018-05-08 | 14393.2248 | KB4103723 |
| LTSB | 2018-04 C | 2018-04-17 | 14393.2214 | KB4093120 |
| LTSB | 2018-04 B | 2018-04-10 | 14393.2189 | KB4093119 |
| LTSB | 2018-03 OOB | 2018-03-29 | 14393.2156 | KB4096309 |
| LTSB | 2018-03 C | 2018-03-22 | 14393.2155 | KB4088889 |
| LTSB | 2018-03 B | 2018-03-13 | 14393.2125 | KB4088787 |
| LTSB | 2018-02 C | 2018-02-22 | 14393.2097 | KB4077525 |
| LTSB | 2018-02 B | 2018-02-13 | 14393.2068 | KB4074590 |
| LTSB | 2018-01 C | 2018-01-17 | 14393.2035 | KB4057142 |
| LTSB | 2018-01 B | 2018-01-03 | 14393.2007 | KB4056890 |
| LTSB | 2017-12 B | 2017-12-12 | 14393.1944 | KB4053579 |
| LTSB | 2017-11 C | 2017-11-27 | 14393.1914 | KB4051033 |
| LTSB | 2017-11 B | 2017-11-14 | 14393.1884 | KB4048953 |
| LTSB | 2017-10 OOB | 2017-11-02 | 14393.1797 | KB4052231 |
| LTSB | 2017-10 C | 2017-10-17 | 14393.1794 | KB4041688 |
| LTSB | 2017-10 B | 2017-10-10 | 14393.1770 | KB4041691 |
| LTSB | 2017-09 C | 2017-09-28 | 14393.1737 | KB4038801 |
| LTSB | 2017-09 B | 2017-09-12 | 14393.1715 | KB4038782 |
| LTSB | 2017-08 OOB | 2017-08-28 | 14393.1670 | KB4039396 |
| LTSB | 2017-08 C | 2017-08-16 | 14393.1613 | KB4034661 |
| LTSB | 2017-08 B | 2017-08-08 | 14393.1593 | KB4034658 |
| LTSB | 2017-08 OOB | 2017-08-07 | 14393.1537 | KB4038220 |
| LTSB | 2017-07 C | 2017-07-18 | 14393.1532 | KB4025334 |
| LTSB | 2017-07 B | 2017-07-11 | 14393.1480 | KB4025339 |
| LTSB | 2017-06 C | 2017-06-27 | 14393.1378 | KB4022723 |
| LTSB | 2017-06 B | 2017-06-13 | 14393.1358 | KB4022715 |
| LTSB | 2017-05 B | 2017-05-09 | 14393.1198 | KB4019472 |
| LTSB | 2017-04 B | 2017-04-11 | 14393.1066 | KB4015217 |
| LTSB | 2017-03 OOB | 2017-03-20 | 14393.969 | KB4015438 |
| LTSB | 2017-03 B | 2017-03-14 | 14393.953 | KB4013429 |
| LTSB | 2017-01 B | 2017-01-10 | 14393.693 | KB3213986 |
| LTSB | 2016-12 B | 2016-12-13 | 14393.576 | KB3206632 |
| LTSB | 2016-11 C | 2016-12-09 | 14393.479 | KB3201845 |
| LTSB | 2016-11 B | 2016-11-08 | 14393.447 | KB3200970 |
| LTSB | 2016-10 D | 2016-10-27 | 14393.351 | KB3197954 |
| LTSB | 2016-10 B | 2016-10-11 | 14393.321 | KB3194798 |
| LTSB | 2016-09 D | 2016-09-29 | 14393.222 | KB3194496 |
| LTSB | 2016-09 B | 2016-09-20 | 14393.187 | KB3193494 |
| LTSB | 2016-09 B | 2016-09-13 | 14393.187 | KB3189866 |
| LTSB | 2016-08 E | 2016-08-31 | 14393.105 | KB3176938 |
| LTSB | 2016-08 D | 2016-08-23 | 14393.82 | KB3176934 |
| LTSB | 2016-08 B | 2016-08-09 | 14393.51 | KB3176495 |
| LTSB | 2016-08 A | 2016-08-02 | 14393.10 | KB3176929 |

Note: The update type column references each monthly update by the year and the month of its release, followed by a letter indicating the week of the month (B is the second week of the month; D is the fourth week of the month). Out-of-band updates are referenced as OOB. This notation aligns with what is seen in Microsoft Intune. For detailed information, refer to Type of update releases.

For comprehensive release notes regarding Windows Server 2016 updates, you can visit the Windows Server 2016 update history page.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2016 operating system, while succeeded by newer versions, remains a relevant and widely deployed server platform. Its Long-Term Servicing Branch designation ensures stability and predictability, backed by a commitment to security and quality updates throughout its extended support lifecycle. For organizations invested in Windows Server 2016, understanding its release information and diligently managing its update cadence is crucial for maintaining a reliable and secure IT infrastructure.