# SQL Server 2016 end of life: July 14, 2026

SQL Server 2016 reached the end of extended support on July 14, 2026. Microsoft no longer ships regular security updates for it.

- Vendor: Microsoft
- Category: Database
- Last verified: 2026-11-07

## Key dates

- July 14, 2026: Extended support ends (Microsoft lists the end in Pacific Time) (exact date)

## Who is affected

Anyone running SQL Server 2016 Standard, Enterprise, Developer, Web or Express, on-premises or on virtual machines in any cloud. SSRS reports that run on a 2016 report server are affected too.

## What happens

SQL Server 2016 follows Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Mainstream support ended in July 2021. With extended support over, regular security updates stop. Microsoft lists paid Extended Security Updates for SQL Server 2016, in yearly steps starting July 2026.

## Migration options

- Upgrade to a newer SQL Server: Side-by-side is safer than in-place because you can test and roll back. Check linked servers, Agent jobs and CLR code first.
- Move to Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure SQL Database: Managed Instance keeps most SQL Server features. Azure SQL Database does not support everything, so check each feature before you choose.
- Move SSRS reports to Power BI: Sort the reports first. Many are unused and can be retired, so you only move the ones that are worth it.

## Sources

- [Microsoft Lifecycle, SQL Server 2016](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/sql-server-2016)

## Next steps

- Page: https://becloudready.com/end-of-life/sql-server-2016
- Fixed-price upgrade or migration, book a call: https://calendly.com/kchandank/30-mins-meeting
- All dates: https://becloudready.com/end-of-life