Windows Server Lifecycle (EOL)
Below you can find the life cycle for each version of operating system Windows Server, like Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, including release dates and end of life (EOL) dates.
References
- Microsoft
Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Company website: http://www.microsoft.com
Windows Server (formerly Windows NT Server) is a group of operating systems (OS) for servers by
Microsoft. The brand name was changed to Windows Server in 2003.
| Release | Released | Active Support | Security Support | Extended Security Updates | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Windows Server 2025 (LTSC) |
6 months ago
(01 Nov 2024) |
Ends (09 Oct 2029) |
Ends (10 Oct 2034) |
Unavailable |
10.0.26100 |
|
23H2 |
1 year and 6 months ago
(24 Oct 2023) |
Ended (24 Apr 2025) |
Ends (24 Oct 2025) |
Unavailable |
10.0.25398 |
|
Windows Server 2022 (LTSC) |
3 years and 8 months ago
(18 Aug 2021) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
Ends (14 Oct 2031) |
Unavailable |
10.0.20348 |
|
20H2 |
4 years and 6 months ago
(20 Oct 2020) |
Ended (09 Aug 2022) |
Ended (09 Aug 2022) |
Unavailable |
10.0.19042 |
|
Windows Server 2004 |
4 years and 11 months ago
(27 May 2020) |
Ended (14 Dec 2021) |
Ended (14 Dec 2021) |
Unavailable |
10.0.19041 |
|
Windows Server 1909 |
5 years ago
(12 Nov 2019) |
Ended (11 May 2021) |
Ended (11 May 2021) |
Unavailable |
10.0.18363 |
|
Windows Server 1903 |
5 years and 11 months ago
(21 May 2019) |
Ended (08 Dec 2020) |
Ended (08 Dec 2020) |
Unavailable |
10.0.18362 |
|
Windows Server 1809 |
6 years ago
(13 Nov 2018) |
Ended (10 Nov 2020) |
Ended (10 Nov 2020) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17763 |
|
Windows Server 2019 (LTSC) |
6 years ago
(13 Nov 2018) |
Ended (09 Jan 2024) |
Ends (09 Jan 2029) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17763 |
|
Windows Server 1803 |
7 years ago
(30 Apr 2018) |
Ended (12 Nov 2019) |
Ended (12 Nov 2019) |
Unavailable |
10.0.17134 |
|
Windows Server 1709 |
7 years ago
(17 Oct 2017) |
Ended (09 Apr 2019) |
Ended (09 Apr 2019) |
Unavailable |
10.0.16299 |
|
Windows Server 2016 (LTSC) |
8 years ago
(15 Oct 2016) |
Ended (11 Jan 2022) |
Ends (12 Jan 2027) |
Unavailable |
10.0.14393 |
|
2012-R2 (LTSC) |
11 years ago
(25 Nov 2013) |
Ended (09 Oct 2018) |
Ended (10 Oct 2023) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
6.3.9600 |
|
Windows Server 2012 (LTSC) |
12 years ago
(30 Oct 2012) |
Ended (09 Oct 2018) |
Ended (10 Oct 2023) |
Ends (13 Oct 2026) |
6.2.9200 |
|
2008-R2-SP1 (LTSC) |
14 years ago
(22 Feb 2011) |
Ended (13 Jan 2015) |
Ended (14 Jan 2020) |
Ended (10 Jan 2023) |
6.1.7601 |
|
2008-SP2 (LTSC) |
16 years ago
(29 Apr 2009) |
Ended (13 Jan 2015) |
Ended (14 Jan 2020) |
Ended (10 Jan 2023) |
6.0.6003 |
|
2003-SP2 (LTSC) |
18 years ago
(13 Mar 2007) |
Ended (13 Jul 2010) |
Ended (14 Jul 2015) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
2003-SP1 |
20 years ago
(30 Mar 2005) |
Ended (14 Apr 2009) |
Ended (14 Apr 2009) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
Windows Server 2003 (LTSC) |
22 years ago
(24 Apr 2003) |
Ended (10 Apr 2007) |
Ended (10 Apr 2007) |
Unavailable |
5.2.3790 |
|
Windows Server 2000 (LTSC) |
25 years ago
(17 Feb 2000) |
Ended (30 Jun 2005) |
Ended (13 Jul 2010) |
Unavailable |
5.0.2195 |
Servicing channels
There have been historically three primary release channels available:
- Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
- Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
- Annual Channel (AC)
The Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) was retired on August 9, 2022. There will be no future SAC releases of Windows Server.
The Windows Server Annual Channel (AC) was released after the retirement of the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). The first release of the Annual Channel (AC) was on October 24, 2023.
Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
With the Long-Term Servicing Channel, a new major version of Windows Server is released every 2-3 years. Users are entitled to 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. The Long-Term Servicing Channel will continue to receive security and non-security updates, but it will not receive the new features and functionality.
Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
Each release in this channel is supported for 18 months from the initial release. Most of the features introduced in the Semi-Annual Channel have been rolled up into the next Long-Term Servicing Channel release of Windows Server.
In this model, Windows Server releases were identified by the year and month of release: for example, in 2017, a release in the 9th month (September) would be identified as version 1709. Fresh releases of Windows Server in the Semi-Annual Channel occurred twice each year. The support lifecycle for each release is 18 months. Starting with fall 2020 (20H2) releases, the identification changed. Instead of a month, the release is named based on the release cycle. For example: version 20H2, for a release in the second half of the year 2020.
Annual Channel (AC)
Similar to Semi-Annual Channel (SAC), but releases occurred every 12 months.
The support lifecycle for each release is 18 months of mainstream support, plus 6 months of extended support.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For some releases, customers also have the option to purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU).
It includes Critical and/or Important security updates for a maximum of three years after the
product’s End of Extended Support date. Customers can also get technical support for the ESU period
as long as they also have an active support plan.
More information is available on the Microsoft Windows Server website.
You should be running one of the supported release numbers listed above in the rightmost column.
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Microsoft Windows Server 2016 was released in September 2016. So, when does it become end-of-life? There is a lot of false information about the EOL status of Windows Server 2016. We review the EOL status and what it means for the Windows Server 2016 administrator.
Windows Server 2016 follows the Fixed Lifecycle Licensing Policy. So, support for Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is slit into 2 halves. Each Fixed Lifecyle product of Microsoft comes with 2 different support:
- Mainstream support
- Extended support
Mainstream support is valid for 5 years from the release data. And, Extended support is valid for the successive 5 years once the mainstream support ends.
With a release data of September 2016, we now understand that the mainstream support for Windows Server 2016 is valid for the first 5 years. And, the successive 5 years of support will be called the Extended Support.
There is a difference in the scope of Mainstream support and Extended Support. So, we need to understand those differences to appreciate the Fixed Lifecycle Plan.
It may be pertinent to understand that Extended Support of a Fixed Lifecycle product is different that the ESU or Extended Security Updates programs.
So, for Windows Server 2016, the mainstream support ended on 11 January, 2022. The Extended Support for Windows Server 2016 will end on 12 January, 2027.
The question of the ESU program for Windows Server 2016 will be relevant after January 2027. So, there is no need to commit into buying any ESU for Windows Server 2016 until January 2027.
What does the Mainstream support mean?
The mainstream support for Windows Server 2016 ended in January 2022.
Mainstream Support is the first phase of the product lifecycle. At the supported service pack level, Mainstream Support for Windows Server 2016 includes:
- Incident support (no-charge incident support, paid incident support, support charged on an hourly basis, support for warranty claims)
- Security update support
- The ability to request non-security updates
For Windows Server 2016, the mainstream support ended in January 2022. So, we can conclude that product support for Windows Server 2016 in terms of feature updates and non-security updates will no longer be offered.
Thankfully, access to security updates for Windows Server 2016 is covered under the ‘Extended Support’.
What does Extended Support for Windows Server 2016 mean?
Extended Support for Windows Server 2016 begins after the mainstream support for the server ended in January 2022. Until 12 January 2027, Windows Server 2016 is eligible for Extended Support.
The Extended Support for Windows Server 2016 include the following:
- Security Updates to patch security vulnerabilities reported in Microsoft security bulletins.
Product support for Windows Server 2016 is not included in the Extended Support.
You can always buy a Service Pack for Windows Server 2016 to enjoy support for the product. But, for any product issues requiring Microsoft support, you will need to pay to get that support separately.
Extended Support for Windows Server 2016 started in January 2022 and will end in January 2027.
Security coverage for Windows Server 2016
So, the coverage for providing security updates for Windows Server 2016 includes a 10 year period that is comprised of 5 years of Mainstream support and 5 years of Extended support.
The ‘Patch Tuesday’ program for Windows Server 2016 will offer security updates for the server until January 2027. Post January 2027, you will need to enroll in the paid subscription program of the ESU program for Windows Server 2016.
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to write about Cyber-security events and stories, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.
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- When Is Windows Server 2016 End of Life? How to Upgrade?
By Vera | Follow |
Last Updated
What is the end of life for Windows Server 2016? How can you upgrade to Server 2022 after Server 2016 EOL? In this post, MiniTool will tell you answers to these questions and countermeasures. Now, let’s have a look.
Windows Server 2016 End of Life
Server 2016 is the eighth release of the Microsoft Windows Server operating system and it was developed along with Windows 10. On October 1, 2014, its first preview version appeared. On Sep 26, 2016, Server 2016 was released and then broadly released for retail sale on Oct 12, 2016.
Now Windows Server 2022 has come for several years, and then you may ask: is Windows Server 2016 end of support? Generally, each operating system has its lifecycle. Speaking of Server 2016 end of life, Microsoft ended its Mainstream Support on Jan 11, 2022.
After that date, the system won’t receive some updates but security updates are still available. Besides, Server 2016 won’t receive any bug fixes or improvements.
But after the Mainstream end date, you can choose to purchase Extended Security Update (ESU) to gain Extended Support which is usually 5 years. When it comes to “Windows Server 2016 end of life extended support”, its end date refers to Jan 12, 2027. That is, the final Server 2016 EOL lasts until Jan 12, 2027.
The two dates here apply to these editions of the Server system, including Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium, and Standard.
Upgrade to Windows Server 2022 from 2016
As this operating system ages, it is liable to virus attacks or other malicious software from cybercriminals. Eventually, manufacturers cannot patch and update the old system because of outdated architecture. So to protect your data from various attacks and prevent data loss, upgrade your Windows Server 2016 to 2022 after Server 2016 end of life.
Back up Files in Server
Before the update, we recommend you to back up your important files in Server 2016 since you may run into some update issues or errors, leading to data loss. To prevent file loss, run the backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker for data backup. Besides, if you use an ISO file to perform a clean install of the Server system, we also advise you to backup files since this installation process can erase your C drive including files saved in it.
MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to easily backup files, folders, disks, partitions, and Windows, and its Trial Edition can work well in Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008. Now, download and install it on your Server 2016 for data backup.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition and connect a USB drive or external hard drive to the PC.
Step 2: Go to Backup > SOURCE > Folders and Files, choose files to back up, and click OK.
Step 3: In Backup, click SOURCE to choose an external drive or USB drive.
Step 4: Click Back Up Now to begin file backup.
How to Upgrade to Server 2022 After Windows Server End of Life
After the backup, now you can choose to upgrade to Windows Server 2022 and here we take an in-place upgrade as an example:
Step 1: Download Windows Server 2022 ISO and save it on the Desktop.
Step 2: Right-click on the ISO and choose Mount.
Step 3: Double-click on the setup.exe file and then the Windows Server Setup window opens. Tap on Next to continue.
Step 4: Choose an edition of Windows Server 2022.
Step 5: Finish the update by following the on-screen instructions.
Tips:
If you want to clean install Windows Server 2022 from 2016, go to see this guide — How to Install, Set up, and Configure Windows Server 2022.
Final Words
In light of Windows Server 2016 end of life (EOL), you should take action to upgrade to an up-to-date version. To keep data safe, you had better back up crucial files before the update. Besides, if the PC is not suitable for the upgrade, it is also essential to back up data to safeguard against data loss or corruption resulting from system crashes using MiniTool ShadowMaker.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Vera is an editor of the MiniTool Team since 2016 who has more than 7 years’ writing experiences in the field of technical articles. Her articles mainly focus on disk & partition management, PC data recovery, video conversion, as well as PC backup & restore, helping users to solve some errors and issues when using their computers. In her spare times, she likes shopping, playing games and reading some articles.
Windows Server 2016 is a powerful server operating system from Microsoft that many businesses use to run their networks, host applications, and store data. But like all software, it won’t last forever. Knowing about its End of Life (EOL) is super important to keep your systems safe and running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explain what Windows Server 2016 End of Life means in simple terms, why it matters, and what you can do about it. Plus, we’ll touch on related topics like Windows Server 2019 End of Life, Windows Server 2022 End of Life, and even SQL Server 2016 End of Life to give you the full picture.
What Does “End of Life” Mean?
Every piece of software has a lifespan what we call a lifecycle. For Windows Server 2016, Microsoft offers two main support stages:
- Mainstream Support: This is when Microsoft gives you all the good stuff new features, security fixes, and bug updates. For Windows Server 2016, this ended on January 11, 2022.
- Extended Support: After Mainstream Support, you move into this phase, where Microsoft only sends out security updates no new features, just the essentials to keep things safe. For Windows Server 2016, this lasts until January 12, 2027.
When Extended Support ends, that’s it Windows Server 2016 hits its End of Life. No more updates, no more help from Microsoft. That’s why understanding the Windows Server 2016 extended support end date is key to staying ahead.
When Does Windows Server 2016 Stop Getting Updates?
Let’s break it down with the dates you need to know:
- Mainstream Support Ended: January 11, 2022
- Extended Support Ends (End of Life): January 12, 2027
Right now, Windows Server 2016 is in its Extended Support phase, which means it still gets security updates. But come January 12, 2027, the Windows Server 2016 end of security updates happens, and that’s when things could get risky.
Quick Note: You might hear people ask about Windows Server 2016 R2 End of Life, but here’s the deal—there’s no such thing as Windows Server 2016 R2! Microsoft changed how they name things after Windows Server 2012 R2. So, the next version was just Windows Server 2016, then 2019, and 2022. If you’re searching for “Windows Server 2016 R2,” you probably mean 2016 itself.
What Happens After Windows Server 2016 End of Life?
Once January 12, 2027, rolls around and Windows Server 2016 reaches its End of Life, here’s what changes:
- No More Security Updates: Without patches for new threats, your server could become a target for hackers.
- No Help from Microsoft: If something breaks, you’re on your own—no official support to fix it.
- Risk of Breaking Rules: Some industries require you to use supported software. An outdated server might get you in trouble with regulations.
- Tech Compatibility Issues: Newer apps or hardware might not work with an old, unsupported server.
The end of Windows Server 2016 end-of-life extended support means you need a plan to avoid these headaches.
What Can You Do About It?
Don’t worry—you’ve got options! Here’s what you can do as the Windows Server 2016 extended support end date gets closer:
- Upgrade to a Newer Version: Move up to Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022. They come with better features, stronger security, and longer support timelines.
- Switch to the Cloud: Are you not ready to upgrade your physical servers? Try a cloud option like Microsoft Azure. You can keep running Windows Server 2016 there and still get security updates through special programs.
- Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Sometimes, Microsoft offers extra security updates for a fee after Extended Support ends. Since we’re not at 2027 yet, ESUs aren’t available for Windows Server 2016 right now—but keep an eye out closer to the date.
- Lock Down or Retire Old Systems: If you’ve got apps that only work on Windows Server 2016, you could isolate them in a super-safe setup or phase them out completely.
Picking the right move depends on what your business needs, so it’s smart to chat with an IT pro.
How Do Other Servers and Software Fit In?
Since you might be using more than just Windows Server 2016, here’s a quick look at some related End of Life dates:
- Windows Server 2019 End of Life:
- Mainstream Support Ended: January 9, 2024
- Extended Support Ends: January 9, 2029 (this is the Windows Server 2019 end-of-life extended support date)
- Windows Server 2022 End of Life:
- Mainstream Support Ends: October 13, 2026
- Extended Support Ends: October 14, 2031
- SQL Server 2016 End of Life:
- Mainstream Support Ended: July 13, 2021
- Extended Support Ends: July 14, 2026
If you’re running SQL Server 2016 on your Windows Server 2016, heads up—it’ll lose support before your server does. So, you might need to update your SQL software first.
Tips to Stay on Top of This
Here are some easy ways to keep your servers in check:
- Keep Track of Dates: Check Microsoft’s website now and then for the latest support timelines.
- Update Regularly: Install every security patch you get while your server is still supported.
- Plan Early: Start thinking about upgrades or changes at least a year before the EOL date.
- Check Your Setup: Make sure your apps and gear will work with a newer server version.
- Think About the Cloud: It might save you time and hassle in the long run.
These steps can save you from last-minute stress when the Windows Server 2016 End of Life hits.
Wrapping It Up: Be Ready!
The Windows Server 2016 End of Life is something every user needs to understand. Here’s the rundown:
- Extended Support ends on January 12, 2027, and that’s when security updates stop.
- Sticking with it after that could mean big security risks and no help from Microsoft.
- You can upgrade to Windows Server 2019 or 2022, move to the cloud, or watch for Extended Security Updates later.
- Don’t forget about Windows Server 2019 End of Life, Windows Server 2022 End of Life, and SQL Server 2016 End of Life if you use those too.
- Planning is your best friend here.
By getting ready now, you’ll keep your systems safe, secure, and prepared for whatever comes next!