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Add LTS servicing criteria documentation#26777

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Add LTS servicing criteria documentation#26777
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copilot/add-lts-servicing-criteria-doc

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Copilot AI commented Feb 10, 2026

Establishes formal criteria for backporting fixes to LTS release branches, addressing ambiguity around what qualifies for inclusion in stability-focused releases.

Changes

  • New documentation: docs/release/LTS-servicing-criteria.md

    • Defines eligible fix categories: security fixes, critical servicing fixes (crashes/data corruption/regressions), build/packaging fixes
    • Clarifies that low-risk alone is insufficient—fixes must have meaningful production impact
    • Requires fixes land in current supported releases before LTS consideration (with documented exceptions)
    • Provides structured backport request template with impact/risk/testing assessments
    • States Microsoft retains final decision authority on LTS inclusions
    • Links to official PowerShell support lifecycle documentation
  • Discoverability: Updated docs/maintainers/README.md and docs/maintainers/releasing.md to reference the new criteria document

Template Example

Contributors requesting LTS backports now provide:

  • Impact assessment (scope, severity, regression status)
  • Risk analysis (complexity, test coverage, regression potential)
  • Release validation (proven in newer supported releases vs. LTS-specific)
  • Evidence (support tickets, community reports, workaround availability)

Aligns with public Microsoft guidance: "Updates to an LTS release only contain critical security updates and servicing fixes designed to minimize impact on existing workloads."

Original prompt

Create a repository document describing criteria for bringing fixes into an LTS (Long-Term Servicing/Support) release branch in PowerShell, in response to discussion on PR #26167.

Requirements:

  • Target repository: PowerShell/PowerShell
  • Base branch: master
  • Add a new Markdown doc at docs/release/LTS-servicing-criteria.md.
  • The document should:
    • Explain the purpose of LTS branches and the servicing philosophy (stability-first).
    • Clearly state that while the community can propose backports, Microsoft makes the final decision on what goes into LTS servicing branches/patch releases.
    • Define the “bar” for LTS fixes in practical terms (security fixes; high-impact servicing fixes designed to minimize impact; strong presumption against features/behavior changes).
    • Include a checklist/template contributors can use when requesting an LTS backport (customer impact, regression info, severity, risk assessment, testing, links to issues/PRs, whether fix is already in the newest supported non-LTS/STS release).
    • Clarify that low-risk alone is not sufficient; it must also be sufficiently impactful.
    • Clarify expectations about sequencing (e.g., land in current supported release line first where applicable) and any rationale.
    • Provide links to official Microsoft documentation for PowerShell support lifecycle / LTS servicing policy.
    • Use clear, neutral language suitable for a public OSS repo.

Deliverables:

  • Commit adding the new doc.
  • If there is an existing release/backport documentation index (e.g., a docs README or release-process doc), add a link to this new document so it’s discoverable.

Notes:

  • Keep it aligned with public Microsoft guidance: “Updates to an LTS release only contain critical security updates and servicing fixes designed to minimize impact on existing workloads.”
  • Do not include confidential/internal-only criteria; acknowledge that there may be internal requirements not publicly documented.

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Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] Add LTS servicing criteria document for PowerShell Add LTS servicing criteria documentation Feb 10, 2026
Copilot AI requested a review from TravisEz13 February 10, 2026 18:04
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@iSazonov iSazonov left a comment

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Why is it not in PowerShell-Docs?

- **Impact**: How many users/scenarios are affected? Is this blocking production workloads?
- **Severity**: What happens if this is not fixed? (crash, data loss, security issue, minor inconvenience?)
- **Risk**: How complex is the fix? How many code paths does it touch?
- **Alternatives**: Can users work around the issue?
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In fact, there is always a workaround. Even if it's a complete replacement for another product.
Here I would explain that the workaround should not be too expensive to create and should not lead to large expenses when it has to be deleted.

@microsoft-github-policy-service microsoft-github-policy-service bot added the Waiting on Author The PR was reviewed and requires changes or comments from the author before being accept label Feb 14, 2026
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