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Windows Server · Forced move · Tracked since October 13, 2026 · Sources checked Oct 13

Time to bail on Windows Server 2016?

Time to Bail · Boarding pass

FromWindows Server 2016
ToYour pick

Act. You can stay.

Windows Server 2016 gets no security updates after January 12, 2027. Upgrade or move these servers.[1]

Act means: change a setting or plan before the date. You can stay.

Gate closes
End of support
Time left
88days
Status
Act

Windows Server 2016 support ends January 12, 2027

Microsoft ends support for Windows Server 2016 on January 12, 2027. After that there are no new security updates. Containers released with it follow the same dates.

What to do before January 12

Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this browser.

  1. List your 2016 servers

    Find every server and VM on Windows Server 2016, and what runs on it.

  2. Plan an upgrade or rebuild

    Upgrade in place or build a new server on a newer Windows Server. Check app support first.

  3. Move the roles you can

    File shares, sign-in and web apps may move to newer servers one by one. Finish before January 12, 2027.

Facts we checked

Facts and their sources
End of supportJanuary 12, 2027[1]
VersionWindows Server 2016[1]
Version year2016[1]
EditionsDatacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium and Standard[2]
ContainersThose released with Windows Server 2016 follow the same dates[2]
Same dateHyper-V Server 2016 and Windows Storage Server 2016[1]
After that dateNo new security updates, non-security updates or support[1]
Servers on Windows Server 2016Get no security updates after January 12, 2027[1]

Sources

Check it yourself. Every fact above links here.

  1. Ending Support in 2027 Microsoft · primary · checked Oct 13
  2. Windows Server 2016 lifecycle Microsoft · primary · checked Oct 13
Read the published editorial report

What changed

Time to bail on Windows Server 2016? Act. You can stay. Windows Server 2016 gets no security updates after January 12, 2027. Upgrade or move these servers.

On our scale this is Act: change a setting or plan before the date. You can stay.

Microsoft ends support for Windows Server 2016 on January 12, 2027. After that there are no new security updates. Containers released with it follow the same dates.

Here are the facts we checked:

  • End of support: January 12, 2027 (Microsoft)
  • Version: Windows Server 2016 (Microsoft)
  • Version year: 2016 (Microsoft)
  • Editions: Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium and Standard (Microsoft)
  • Containers: Those released with Windows Server 2016 follow the same dates (Microsoft)
  • Same date: Hyper-V Server 2016 and Windows Storage Server 2016 (Microsoft)
  • After that date: No new security updates, non-security updates or support (Microsoft)
  • Servers on Windows Server 2016: Get no security updates after January 12, 2027 (Microsoft)

You can stay on Windows Server. You have to change a setting or plan before the date.

Leaving is a choice here, not a must.

Microsoft is the main source for this page. Windows Server has not said more than what is listed here. If a fact is not on this page, we do not know it yet.

Who is affected

Servers on Windows Server 2016: Get no security updates after January 12, 2027.

The date to remember is January 12, 2027. Make the change before then.

What to do before January 12

  1. List your 2016 servers. Find every server and VM on Windows Server 2016, and what runs on it.
  2. Plan an upgrade or rebuild. Upgrade in place or build a new server on a newer Windows Server. Check app support first.
  3. Move the roles you can. File shares, sign-in and web apps may move to newer servers one by one. Finish before January 12, 2027.

A few tips:

  • Make the change yourself before the date. Do not wait for the last reminder email.
  • Write down your current plan or settings first, so you can compare after the change.
  • After the change, open your settings again and check that it worked.

How to tell your users

If the change affects your members or team, send one short email. Say what changes for them and when. Put the most important line first.

If there is a date, send a short reminder a few days before it. Keep a copy of the list you sent it to.

Options people mention

Listed for convenience. Not ranked. Not paid. These names come up in threads and reviews; that does not show where people moved.

Before you pay, check the price page of each tool yourself. Prices change, and we only list what our sources say.

Questions people ask

No questions collected yet.

Sources

Thanks.

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Arrivals · for builders

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People on Windows Server 2016 can stay if they make the change. Some would rather leave. Get the playbook for this change, and list your product here.

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