If you want to put servers in this channel, you should install Windows Server, version 20H2, which can be installed in Server Core mode or as Nano Server run in a container. The current Semi-Annual Channel release is Windows Server, version 20H2. Each release in this channel is supported for 18 months from the initial release. The Semi-Annual Channel enabled customers who are innovating quickly to take advantage of new operating system capabilities at a faster pace, focused in on containers and microservices. The Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue to receive security and non-security updates, but it will not receive the new features and functionality. Deployments of the LTSC of Windows Server are not affected by Semi-Annual Channel releases. This channel provides systems with a long servicing option and functional stability, and can be installed with Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation options. Users are entitled to 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support.

With the Long-Term Servicing Channel, a new major version of Windows Server is released every 2-3 years. The Semi-Annual Channel in previous versions of Windows Server focused on containers and microservices, and that innovation will continue with Azure Stack HCI. Starting with Windows Server 2022, there is one primary release channel available, the Long-Term Servicing Channel.

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) provides a longer term option focusing on stability, whereas the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) provided more frequent releases enabling customers to take advantage of innovation more quickly. Previously with Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 there have been two primary release channels available, the Long-Term Servicing Channel and the Semi-Annual Channel.

Windows server 2019 core vs std vs kms