Microsoft Moves SharePoint Server Subscription Edition to Bi-Annual Release Schedule

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft announced a major change to how it delivers new releases of SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. Indeed, Microsoft will now switch to a biannual release schedule that will allow the company to release new feature updates twice a year.

Microsoft launched SharePoint Server Subscription Edition in July last year. It’s an on-premises version of SharePoint that provides security, reliability, and management capabilities for business customers.

“To ensure we’re meeting those needs, we will bundle new feature experiences for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition together in feature updates so they can be introduced on a predictable schedule. Feature updates will be incorporated into the monthly public updates, alongside the typical security and quality updates that you are already familiar with,” the SharePoint team explained.

Microsoft plans to adopt a new “feature release rings” approach to release feature updates to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. Organizations will be able to choose between the Early release and Standard release rings. The Early release ring allows IT admins to test all new features before making them generally available for all customers in the Standard release.

SharePoint Server Subscription Edition version 22H2

Additionally, Microsoft has announced the release of the September 2022 Public Update (version 22H2) for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. This latest release brings support for release rings and Windows Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) integration. The AMSI standard allows applications and services to integrate with antimalware solutions to block potentially malicious requests.

SharePoint Server Subscription Edition version 22H2 also includes other improvements such as bulk editing in modern lists and button web part support. There is also the ability to choose the default site language in the modern self-service site creation pane. You can find more details about these features on this support page.

Lastly, Microsoft plans to replace the Microsoft Workflow Manager and Service Bus service with a new SharePoint Workflow Manager app later this year. Moreover, Microsoft is also introducing a new notification experience to send end-of-support warnings to customers running SharePoint Server 2013, SharePoint Server 2016, and SharePoint Server 2019.