Windows Server 2016 end of life: January 12, 2027
Windows Server 2016 reaches the end of extended support on January 12, 2027. After that date Microsoft stops regular security updates for it.
Key dates
| Date | What happens | How sure |
|---|---|---|
| January 12, 2027 | Extended support ends (Microsoft lists the end in Pacific Time) | Exact date |
Who is affected
Anyone running Windows Server 2016 Standard, Datacenter, Essentials or MultiPoint Premium, on-premises or as virtual machines in any cloud. Windows containers released with Windows Server 2016 follow the same dates.
What happens at end of life
Windows Server 2016 follows Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Mainstream support already ended in January 2022. When extended support ends, security updates stop, which matters most for internet-facing and regulated systems.
Migration options
In-place or side-by-side upgrade to a newer Windows Server
Side-by-side is safer for older apps because you can test and roll back. Check each application's vendor support for the new version first.
Rehost the server in a cloud as a VM
Moving the VM does not remove the end-of-support problem. Pair it with an OS upgrade or plan the upgrade right after.
Replatform the application
For apps that only exist on Windows because of old dependencies, a container or managed service can end the OS upgrade cycle.
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Common questions
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Sources
Last verified 2026-11-01. Vendors change dates, so confirm with the source before you commit to a plan.
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