Microsoft Warns Windows Server 2016 Support Ends Soon

Microsoft has warned that Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027, leaving organizations without regular security updates. The company recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 to avoid security and compatibility risks.

According to Microsoft’s Windows Message Center, January 2027 will mark the final monthly security update for Windows Server 2016.

Windows Server 2016 support ends January 12, 2027

Windows Server 2016 reached the end of mainstream support in January 2022, but Microsoft continued providing security updates through its extended support program.

That program will end on January 12, 2027, affecting all editions of the operating system, including Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium, and Standard.

After the deadline, organizations can continue running Windows Server 2016, but Microsoft will no longer provide regular security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Support for Windows Server 2016 Essentials features, including Remote Web Access and other Essentials-specific functionality, will also end.

This could create security concerns for businesses that continue relying on older servers, particularly those handling sensitive data or running critical applications.

Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025

Microsoft advises organizations to migrate to Windows Server 2025, its latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release.

Windows Server 2025 launched in November 2024 and offers a significantly longer support lifecycle, with mainstream support continuing until November 2029 and extended support ending on November 14, 2034.

Organizations can download a free 180-day Windows Server 2025 evaluation to test compatibility with their existing infrastructure before migrating.

Microsoft recommends starting migration planning before the January 2027 deadline to minimize security risks and potential disruptions.

The warning comes as Windows Server administrators continue facing other security and reliability concerns. Recently, Microsoft confirmed that October 2026 Patch Tuesday updates were causing problems with Exchange servers.

Separately, 0patch released a fix for a critical Windows Server DNS vulnerability affecting older systems, highlighting the security challenges associated with legacy infrastructure.

Via BleepingComputer