Modernize your on-prem DevOps without moving to the cloud: On December 9, 2025, Microsoft released the newest version of Azure DevOps Server. This release marks an important shift: Azure DevOps Server no longer carries a version number and is now delivered under the Modern Lifecycle Policy. This gives organizations a continuously supported, always-current, self-hosted DevOps platform.
This is great for customers who need to keep development and delivery infrastructure on-premises due to compliance, data residency, or network isolation requirements. The new release strengthens the long-term future of Azure DevOps Server as a secure, reliable, and regularly updated solution.
DevOps Server: modern & continuously updated
Modern Lifecycle Policy
Instead of multi-year version jumps as before, Azure DevOps Server now receives continuous updates. As long as you stay on a supported build and meet servicing requirements, you receive new features, security fixes, and performance improvements automatically.
Aligned with Azure DevOps Services
Microsoft has aligned the self-hosted product more closely with its cloud counterpart, ensuring that on premises customers benefit from the same innovations that appear in Azure DevOps Services.
Direct upgrade paths
You can upgrade from:
- Azure DevOps Server 2022
- Azure DevOps Server 2020
- Azure DevOps Server 2019
- Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2015 or newer
Since TFS 2015 reached end of extended support in October 2025, upgrading ensures continued security and compliance.
Platform and reliability improvements
This new release includes:
- Support for SQL Server 2025
- Localization updates
- Fixes for dashboards, webhook accuracy, Work Item Tracking, and Agent Pool behavior
- Stability and UI improvements
How to buy Azure DevOps Server?
Buy Visual Studio
Visual Studio subscriptions include one server license plus a user CAL for the subscriber.
- Visual Studio Professional
- Visual Studio Enterprise
Buy Azure DevOps
Buying through Azure entitles you to use both Azure DevOps (cloud) and Azure DevOps Server, giving you the flexibility to move to the cloud when you’re ready.
- Azure DevOps Basic
- Azure DevOps Basic + Test Plans
Classic Purchasing
If you want to buy or renew traditional server licenses or CALs for Azure DevOps Server, Windows, or Windows Server, order through your authorized Microsoft software reseller.
- Azure DevOps Server – New Server License
Open License part number: 125-00214 - Azure DevOps Server – New CAL for One User
Open License part number: 126-00371
FAQ – Azure DevOps Server
Is Azure DevOps Server the right choice for my organization?
Azure DevOps Server remains the best choice for teams that want:
- Full control over infrastructure and data
- On-premises DevOps workflows without cloud dependency
- Predictable security updates and feature improvements
- Compatibility with existing pipelines, boards, repos, and test tools
Who should upgrade?
- Organizations still using Team Foundation Server (TFS) or older Azure DevOps Server versions. Upgrading ensures your system stays secure, supported, and compatible with modern tools.
- Industries that must keep their development platform on premises. For example, companies with strict compliance, data residency, or security rules that do not allow cloud services.
- Enterprises running internal Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI-CD) pipelines. These are automated processes that build, test, and deploy software. Upgrading keeps these systems stable and future proof.
- Teams that cannot use the cloud-hosted Azure DevOps Services. If cloud adoption is not possible, this release gives you the newest features in an on-premises environment.
What is the Modern Lifecycle Policy?
The Modern Lifecycle Policy means the product is supported as long as you stay current with required updates. There are no fixed end dates for support cycles on this release.
Is Azure DevOps Server replacing Azure DevOps Services?
No. Azure DevOps Services remains the cloud offering. Azure DevOps Server is the self-hosted version for organizations needing on premises DevOps.
More information
- Announcement: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/devops/announcing-azure-devops-server-general-availability/.
- Release notes: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/server/release-notes/azuredevopsserver?view=azure-devops-server.
- Microsoft licensing: https://www.schneider.im/software/microsoft.
Contact SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT to optimize your Azure DevOps licensing today.
