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Windows Server vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Versions, support lifecycles and key facts side by side. Dates update automatically from the release data.

AttributeWindows ServerRed Hat Enterprise Linux
TypeOperating systemLinux distribution
Project statusActiveActive
DeveloperMicrosoftRed Hat (IBM)
Based on—Fedora
First release27 Jul 19932002
Release cadenceNew LTSC release about every 3 yearsMajor release every 3 years; minor release every 6 months
Newest releaseWindows Server 2025 LTS · released Nov 2024Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 · released May 2025
Latest LTSWindows Server 2025 LTS—
Supported versions43
Longest supportWindows Server 2025 LTS — until Nov 2034Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 — until May 2035
OS familyWindows NTLinux
EditionsStandard, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure Edition—
Install optionsDesktop Experience, Server Core—
Architecturesx64x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, s390x
Support5 years mainstream + 5 years extended; paid Extended Security Updates after that10 years per major release (5 full + 5 maintenance), plus paid extended life cycle support
LicenseProprietary (per-core licensing)Subscription; free Developer subscription for up to 16 systems
Package format—RPM (DNF)
Init system—systemd
Default desktop—GNOME
Upstream—Fedora → CentOS Stream → RHEL
Guides on TecAdmin6 guides103 guides

Supported versions today

Windows Server

  1. 2025 LTS Until Nov 2034
  2. 2022 LTS Until Oct 2031
  3. 2019 LTS Until Jan 2029
  4. 2016 LTS Until Jan 2027

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

  1. 10 Until May 2035
  2. 9 Until May 2032
  3. 8 Until May 2029

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