Microsoft says that Windows Server 2016 will stop receiving security updates after it ends support in January 2027.
Windows Server 2016 was released in September 2016 Microsoft’s annual Ignite conference and was generally achieved one month later, on October 12, 2016
It has reached the end of main support in January 2022, and additional support will end in about three months, on January 12.
“The January 2027 Windows security update will be the last update available for this version. After this date, devices running Windows Server 2016 will not receive monthly security updates that contain protection against the latest security threats.” Microsoft said In updating the message center.
“The end of this update in 2027 applies to all editions of Windows Server 2016: Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium and Standard.”
On the same date, Microsoft will also end support for all Windows Server 2016 Essentials features, including Remote Web Access and related Essentials-specific functions.
System administrators recommend switching to Windows Server 2025
Before Windows Server 2016 ends support, Microsoft advised IT administrators to upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which began rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024 and reached the general public in November 2024.
“To help maintain your environment and get support, plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025,” the company added.
Windows Server 2025 is the latest Long Term Service Channel (LTSC) release for Windows Server. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle platform, it will go to the end of the main support in November 2029 and received an additional five years of support until November 14, 2034.
Those who want to test Windows Server 2025 before deployment can get a free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 through Microsoft Evaluation Center.
More information about Windows service dates is available at Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or through Life policy search tool.
Earlier this month, Microsoft also announced that systems using Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions stop receiving security updates and are not secure and advise customers to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 (also known as Windows 11 2026 Update).
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