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Plan your Windows Server and SQL Server end of support

We have new options with Azure and the latest innovation in Windows Server 2025 and SQL Server 2025.

What dates do I need to keep in mind?

SQL Server 2016 Extended Support ends. SQL Server 2016 Extended Security Updates start.

Windows Server 2012 Extended Security Updates end.

Windows Server 2016 Extended Support ends. Windows Server 2016 Extended Security Updates start.

SQL Server 2014 Extended Security Updates end.

Modernize with Azure App Service and Azure SQL Managed Instance to avoid end of support and always stay up-to-date.
Upgrade your OS version while migrating with Azure Migrate.

Get Windows Server and SQL Server Extended Security Updates for 3 more years in Azure.
This includes all Azure destinations such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, and the Azure Stack portfolio.
Save with Azure Hybrid Benefit.
Enhance protection with cloud-native security solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud.

Eligible customers with Software Assurance under an Enterprise Agreement can purchase and seamlessly deploy Extended Security Updates (ESUs) through Azure Arc in on-premises or hosted environments, right from the Azure portal.
In addition to providing a centralized management of security patching, Extended Security Updates enabled by Azure Arc gives you more flexibility with a pay-as-you-go subscription model, compared to the classic Extended Security Updates offered through the Volume Licensing Center which are purchased in yearly increments.
For annual billing options through Volume Licensing, reach out to your Microsoft representative.

Find answers to commonly asked questions about end of support for SQL Server and Windows Server.

We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation.