Merge pull request #18489 from rcheeran/2025-07-18

Update support statement for Windows server

Author: sethmanheim

AKS-Arc/aks-windows-server-retirement.md

@@ -5,23 +5,28 @@ ms.topic: how-to
 ms.custom: linux-related-content
 author: sethmanheim
 ms.author: sethm
-ms.date: 03/26/2025
+ms.date: 07/21/2025
+ms.reviewer: rcheeran
+ms.lastreviewed: 07/21/2025
 
 # Intent: As an IT Pro, I want to move my workloads from AKS on Windows Server to the latest version of AKS on Azure Local.
 # Keyword: retirement
 ---
 
-# Announcing the 3-year retirement of AKS on Windows Server current architecture
+# Announcing the 3-year retirement of AKS enabled by Azure Arc on Windows Server based platforms
 
-AKS enabled by Azure Arc uses Azure Arc to create new Kubernetes clusters on Azure Local directly from Azure. It enables you to use familiar tools such as the Azure portal, Azure CLI, Azure Resource Manager, and Bicep and Terraform templates to create and manage your Kubernetes clusters running on Azure Local. Microsoft continues to focus on delivering consistent user experience for all your AKS clusters. To continue ensuring Azure remains the best possible experience with the highest standards of safety and reliability, **we are retiring the current architecture of AKS on Windows Server 2019 and AKS on Windows Server 2022 in 3 years, on March 27, 2028**.
+Azure Kubernetes Service enabled by Azure Arc (AKS Arc) is a managed Kubernetes service that you can use to deploy and manage containerized applications on-premises, in datacenters, or at edge locations. It enables you to use familiar tools such as the Azure portal, Azure CLI, Azure Resource Manager, and Bicep and Terraform templates to create and manage your Kubernetes clusters running on different infrastructure platforms. Microsoft continues to focus on delivering consistent user experience for all your AKS Arc clusters. To continue ensuring Azure remains the best possible experience with the highest standards of safety and reliability, **we are retiring the current architecture of AKS enabled by Azure Arc on all versions of Windows Server, including AKS Arc on Windows Server 2019 and on Windows Server 2022, in 3 years, on March 27, 2028**.
 
-## What is AKS on Azure Local?
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> This also implies that AKS enabled by Azure Arc will not be available on Windows Server 2025. Plan your migration to AKS Arc on Azure Local to ensure continued support and updates.
 
-AKS on Azure Local uses Azure Arc to create new Kubernetes clusters on Azure Local directly from Azure. Since clusters are automatically connected to Azure Arc when they're created, you can use your Microsoft Entra ID for connecting to your clusters from anywhere. This ensures your developers and application operators can provision and configure Kubernetes clusters in accordance with company policies.
+## What is AKS enabled by Azure Arc on Azure Local?
+
+AKS enabled by Azure Arc on Azure Local uses Azure Arc to create new Kubernetes clusters on Azure Local directly from Azure. Since clusters are automatically connected to Azure Arc when they're created, you can use your Microsoft Entra ID for connecting to your clusters from anywhere. This ensures your developers and application operators can provision and configure Kubernetes clusters in accordance with company policies.
 
 The following Kubernetes cluster deployment and management capabilities are available:
 
-- **Pricing**: AKS is now included in Azure Local pricing, effective January 2025. This means that you only need to pay for Azure Local.
+- **Pricing**: AKS Arc is now included in Azure Local pricing, effective January 2025. This means that you only need to pay for Azure Local.
 - **Simplified infrastructure deployment on Azure Local**. Infrastructure components of AKS Arc like Arc Resource Bridge, Custom Location and the Kubernetes Extension for the AKS Arc operator, are all deployed as part of the Azure Local. The whole lifecycle management of AKS Arc infrastructure follows the same approach as the other components on Azure Local.
 - **Cloud-based management**: Create and manage Kubernetes clusters on Azure Local with familiar tools such as the Azure portal, Azure CLI, Azure Resource Manager, and Bicep and Terraform templates.
 - **Arc Gateway integration**: Deploy AKS Arc clusters with pod-level Arc Proxy and communicate with the Arc gateway, reducing the list of outbound URLs to configure in an isolated network environment.
@@ -32,61 +37,65 @@ The following Kubernetes cluster deployment and management capabilities are avai
 
 ## If you're using Azure Kubernetes Service on Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022
 
-The Azure Kubernetes Service current architecture on Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 will be retired on 27 March 2028. Starting on March 27 2028, you no longer get support, security and quality updates for your existing Azure Kubernetes Service clusters. Additionally, you won't be able to deploy, upgrade or scale the current architecture of Azure Kubernetes Service on Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.
+The AKS Arc current architecture on Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 will be retired on March 27, 2028. Starting on March 27 2028, you no longer get support, security and quality updates for your existing AKS Arc clusters. You also won't be able to deploy, upgrade or scale the current architecture of Azure Kubernetes Service on Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022.
 
 ## If you're using Azure Kubernetes Service on Azure Local, version 22H2
 
-If you're using AKS on Azure Local, version 22H2, be aware that Azure Local, version 22H2 will reach end of service on May 31 2025. After that, you won't receive monthly security and quality updates that provide protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving updates, we recommend updating to the latest version of Azure Local.
+If you're using AKS Arc on Azure Local, version 22H2, be aware that Azure Local version 22H2 reached its end of service on May 31, 2025. As such, you won't receive monthly security and quality updates that provide protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving updates, we recommend updating to the latest version of Azure Local.
 
-## Deploy AKS on Azure Local
+## Deploy AKS Arc on Azure Local
 
 ### [From Windows Server 2019, 2022](#tab/ws)
 
-AKS on Azure Local has a dependency on deploying a supported version of Azure Local. This means that local, PowerShell, or Windows Admin Center commands such as `Update-AksHciCluster` that worked on Windows Server don't work on Azure Local, since AKS deployments on Azure Local are managed via Azure Resource Manager (Azure CLI, Azure portal, etc.).
+AKS Arc deployments on modern Azure Local are now managed entirely through Azure Resource Manager (ARM). This means administrators must use cloud-based tools such as the Azure CLI (az commands), the Azure portal web interface, or Azure Resource Manager templates to perform cluster operations. This architectural shift aligns AKS Arc management with Microsoft's broader cloud-first strategy and ensures consistency across different deployment scenarios, but it requires administrators to adapt their operational procedures and tooling to work with Azure-based management interfaces rather than local ones. This means that local, PowerShell, or Windows Admin Center commands such as `Update-AksHciCluster` that worked on Windows Server, don't work on Azure Local.
+
+Also, AKS Arc functionality is tightly coupled with having a current, supported version of Azure Local as the underlying infrastructure. This dependency means that organizations cannot simply upgrade AKS Arc independently. They must ensure their Azure Local platform itself is running a supported version to enable proper AKS Arc functionality.
 
 #### Evaluate if Azure Local is right for you
 
 [Compare Windows Server](/azure/azure-local/concepts/compare-windows-server) explains key differences between Azure Local and Windows Server and provides guidance on when to use each. Both products are actively supported and maintained by Microsoft. Many organizations choose to deploy both, as they are intended for different and complementary purposes.
 
-#### Uninstall AKS on Windows Server
+#### Uninstall AKS Arc on Windows Server
 
-Before you move to Azure Local, follow these steps to disconnect AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc and then uninstall AKS:
+Before you move to Azure Local, follow these steps to disconnect AKS Arc workload clusters from Azure Arc and then uninstall AKS Arc:
 
-- Identify all your Arc-connected AKS workload clusters, and then [disconnect your AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc](connect-to-arc.md#disconnect-your-aks-cluster-from-azure-arc)
-- Uninstall AKS using [`Uninstall-AksHci`](/azure/aks/aksarc/reference/ps/uninstall-akshci). This removes all AKS-related configuration from Windows Server.
+- Identify all your Arc-connected AKS Arc workload clusters, and then [disconnect your AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc](connect-to-arc.md#disconnect-your-aks-cluster-from-azure-arc)
+- Uninstall AKS Arc using [`Uninstall-AksHci`](/azure/aks/aksarc/reference/ps/uninstall-akshci). This removes all AKS-related configuration from Windows Server.
 
 #### Deploy a supported version of Azure Local
 
 [Deploy Azure Local from Azure portal or an Azure Resource Manager template](/azure/azure-local/deploy/deployment-introduction).
 
 #### Deploy an AKS cluster on Azure Local
 
-- [Review the networking pre-requisites](aks-hci-network-system-requirements.md) for deploying AKS on Azure Local.
-- [Deploy an AKS cluster on Azure Local using Az CLI, Azure portal and ARM templates, etc.](aks-create-clusters-cli.md).
+- [Review the networking pre-requisites](aks-hci-network-system-requirements.md) for deploying AKS Arc on Azure Local.
+- [Deploy an AKS Arc cluster on Azure Local using Az CLI, Azure portal and ARM templates, etc.](aks-create-clusters-cli.md).
 
 ### [From Azure Local, version 22H2](#tab/22H2)
 
-AKS on Azure Local has a dependency on deploying a supported version of Azure Local. This means that local, PowerShell, or Windows Admin Center commands such as `Update-AksHciCluster` that worked on Azure Local, version 22H2 don't work on Azure Local, since AKS deployments on Azure Local are managed via Azure Resource Manager (Az CLI, Azure portal, etc).
+AKS Arc deployments on modern Azure Local are now managed entirely through Azure Resource Manager (ARM). This means administrators must use cloud-based tools such as the Azure CLI (az commands), the Azure portal web interface, or Azure Resource Manager templates to perform cluster operations. This architectural shift aligns AKS Arc management with Microsoft's broader cloud-first strategy and ensures consistency across different deployment scenarios, but it requires administrators to adapt their operational procedures and tooling to work with Azure-based management interfaces rather than local ones. This means that local, PowerShell, or Windows Admin Center commands such as `Update-AksHciCluster` that worked on Windows Server, don't work on Azure Local.
+
+Additionally, AKS Arc functionality is tightly coupled with having a current, supported version of Azure Local as the underlying infrastructure. This dependency means that organizations cannot simply upgrade AKS Arc independently - they must ensure their Azure Local platform itself is running a supported version to enable proper AKS Arc functionality.
 
-#### Uninstall AKS on Azure Local, version 22H2
+#### Uninstall AKS Arc on Azure Local, version 22H2
 
-Before you upgrade to a supported version of Azure Local, follow these steps to disconnect AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc and then uninstall AKS:
+Before you upgrade to a supported version of Azure Local, follow these steps to disconnect AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc and then uninstall AKS Arc:
 
-- Identify all your Arc-connected AKS workload clusters, and then [disconnect your AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc](connect-to-arc.md#disconnect-your-aks-cluster-from-azure-arc)
+- Identify all your Arc-connected AKS Arc workload clusters, and then [disconnect your AKS workload clusters from Azure Arc](connect-to-arc.md#disconnect-your-aks-cluster-from-azure-arc)
 - Uninstall AKS using [`Uninstall-AksHci`](/azure/aks/aksarc/reference/ps/uninstall-akshci). This removes all AKS-related configuration from Windows Server.
 
 #### Upgrade to a supported version of Azure Local
 
 [Upgrade Azure Local 22H2 to a supported version of Azure Local](/azure/azure-local/upgrade/about-upgrades-23h2).
 
-#### Deploy an AKS cluster on Azure Local
+#### Deploy an AKS Arc cluster on Azure Local
 
 - [Review the networking pre-requisites](aks-hci-network-system-requirements.md) for deploying AKS on Azure Local.
-- [Deploy an AKS cluster on Azure Local using Az CLI, Azure portal and ARM templates, etc.](aks-create-clusters-cli.md).
+- [Deploy an AKS Arc cluster on Azure Local using Az CLI, Azure portal and ARM templates, etc.](aks-create-clusters-cli.md).
 
 ---
 
 ## Next steps
 
-- [Compare AKS deployment options](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/comparing-feature-sets-for-aks-enabled-by-azure-arc-deployment-options/4188163).
+- [Compare AKS Arc deployment options](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/comparing-feature-sets-for-aks-enabled-by-azure-arc-deployment-options/4188163).
 - [Compare Windows Server with Azure Local](/azure/azure-local/concepts/compare-windows-server)

AKS-Arc/blogs-announcements.md

@@ -3,8 +3,10 @@ title: AKS enabled by Azure Arc blogs and announcements
 description: Learn about the latest blogs and announcements for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) enabled by Azure Arc.
 author: sethmanheim
 ms.author: sethm
-ms.date: 12/3/2024
+ms.date: 07/21/2025
 ms.topic: article
+ms.reviewer: rcheeran
+ms.lastreviewed: 07/21/2025
 
 ---
 
@@ -14,11 +16,18 @@ This article provides a list of blogs and announcements for Azure Kubernetes Ser
 
 See the [Microsoft Tech Community - Azure Arc Blogs](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/tag/azure%20arc?nodeId=board%3AAzureArcBlog) for a complete list of relevant articles.
 
+## 2025
+
+| Month | News |
+|-|-|
+| May | *Blog*: [AKS Arc on Azure Local CloudCasa backup and restore integration](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/aks-arc-on-azure-local-cloudcasa-backup-and-restore-integration/4410083) <br/>  *Blog*: [Unlocking AI Apps Across Boundaries with Azure](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/unlocking-ai-apps-across-boundaries-with-azure/4410457) |
+| Apr | *Blog*: [Comparing deployment options of AKS enabled by Azure Arc](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/comparing-deployment-options-of-aks-enabled-by-azure-arc-%F0%9F%93%83/4408896) |
+
 ## 2024
 
 | Month | News |
 |-|-|
-| Nov | *Blog*: [Speed Innovation with Arc-enabled Kubernetes Applications](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/speed-innovation-with-arc-enabled-kubernetes-applications/4298658) <br/> *Blog*: [AKS Arc - Optimized for AI Workloads](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/aks-arc---optimized-for-ai-workloads/4292435) <br/>*Blog*: [Introducing Azure Local, cloud infrastructure for distributed locations enabled by Azure Arc](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/introducing-azure-local-cloud-infrastructure-for-distributed-locations-enabled-b/4296017) <br/>*(Azure Local pricing includes AKS enabled by Arc)*<br/> *Video*: [Azure Local with lost cost hardware](https://youtu.be/yxlAfS9mh2E) <br/> *Video*: [Disconnected operations for Azure Local](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwhonI_Jq8)|
+| Nov | *Blog*: [Speed Innovation with Arc-enabled Kubernetes Applications](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/speed-innovation-with-arc-enabled-kubernetes-applications/4298658) <br/> *Blog*: [AKS Arc - Optimized for AI Workloads](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/aks-arc---optimized-for-ai-workloads/4292435) <br/> *Blog*: [Introducing Azure Local, cloud infrastructure for distributed locations enabled by Azure Arc](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurearcblog/introducing-azure-local-cloud-infrastructure-for-distributed-locations-enabled-b/4296017) <br/>*(Azure Local pricing includes AKS enabled by Arc)*<br/> *Video*: [Azure Local with lost cost hardware](https://youtu.be/yxlAfS9mh2E) <br/> *Video*: [Disconnected operations for Azure Local](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwhonI_Jq8)|
 | July | *Blog*: [Compare feature sets for AKS enabled by Azure Arc deployment options](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-arc-blog/comparing-feature-sets-for-aks-enabled-by-azure-arc-deployment/ba-p/4188163)|
 | April  | *Blog*:  [Sneak peek at new Azure edge infrastructure at Hannover Messe 2024](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-stack-blog/sneak-peek-at-new-azure-edge-infrastructure-at-hannover-messe/ba-p/4120256)|