Microsoft has announced that Windows Server 2016 will cease receiving security patches following its end-of-support date in January 2027. The operating system, which debuted at the company's Ignite conference in September 2016 and achieved general availability on October 12, 2016, already transitioned out of mainstream support in January 2022.
Extended support for the aging server platform concludes on January 12, 2027. According to Microsoft, "The January 2027 Windows security update will be the last update available for this version. After this date, devices running Windows Server 2016 will no longer receive monthly security updates containing protections from the latest security threats."
The end-of-support deadline applies across all editions of Windows Server 2016, encompassing Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium and Standard variants. On the same date, Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows Server 2016 Essentials capabilities, including Remote Web Access and related Essentials-specific functionality.
Admins advised to switch to Windows Server 2025
Ahead of the support cutoff, Microsoft is directing IT administrators to transition their infrastructure to Windows Server 2025. The latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release entered preview with Windows Insiders in January 2024 and shipped for general availability in November 2024.
"To help keep your environment protected and supported, plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025," Microsoft stated in its guidance.
Windows Server 2025 carries an extended support timeline that extends well beyond its predecessor. The platform will reach end of mainstream support in November 2029, followed by an additional five years of extended support through November 14, 2034.
Organizations seeking to evaluate Windows Server 2025 prior to full deployment can obtain a complimentary 180-day trial through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Additional details regarding Windows servicing timelines are accessible via the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or the Lifecycle Policy search tool.
This announcement follows Microsoft's earlier notice that systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions have stopped receiving security and non-security preview updates, with the company recommending customers upgrade to Windows 11 26H2, also referred to as the Windows 11 2026 Update.