Microsoft has just announced new guidance and tools to help organizations protect and modernize their SQL Server 2016 workloads as the product approaches its End of Support (EOS) on July 14, 2026.

What does End of Support mean?

Microsoft Lifecycle Policy offers 10 years of support (five years for mainstream support and five years for extended support) for business and developer products (such as SQL Server and Windows Server). After the end of the extended support period, there are no patches or security updates, which might cause security and compliance issues, and expose your applications and business to serious security risks. Extended Security Updates include provision of security updates and bulletins rated critical by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), for a maximum of three years after the end of extended support. 

Key highlights from the SQL Server Blog: Protect and modernize SQL Server 2016 workloads with Microsoft

Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Customers can now receive up to three additional years of free ESUs when migrating SQL Server 2016 to Azure Virtual Machines.

Modernization Options: Microsoft recommends upgrading to SQL Server 2022 or moving to Azure SQL Managed Instance for long-term modernization and innovation.

Azure Benefits: Azure offers built-in security, high availability, and performance optimization features, making it a strategic platform for legacy workload transformation.

Tools and Resources: Microsoft provides assessment tools, migration guides, and cost management resources to support a smooth transition.

• Why migrate Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure.
• The Business Value of Microsoft Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance Workload 
• The Business Value of Microsoft Azure for SQL Server and Windows Server Workloads.
• Onboard your SQL Server to Azure Arc.
• Get Started with SQL Server 2025 Public Preview.

This is a great opportunity to start planning your migration strategy and ensure continued security and compliance for your SQL Server environments.