Windows Server 2016 will stop receiving security updates after Microsoft releases its final updates in January 2027. The end of support applies to all editions, including Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium, and Standard, and means systems running the server operating system will no longer receive monthly protections against newly discovered security threats.
Microsoft released Windows Server 2016 in September 2016, following its launch at the company’s annual Ignite conference. The operating system became publicly available on October 12, 2016.
Mainstream support ended in January 2022. Extended support will end on January 12, 2027, with the January 2027 Windows security updates serving as the final updates for the platform.
“The January 2027 Windows Security Updates will be the last updates available for this version. After this date, devices running Windows Server 2016 will no longer receive monthly security updates that include protection from the latest security threats,” Microsoft said in a Message Center update.
The end of updates applies to every Windows Server 2016 edition: Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium, and Standard.
Microsoft will also end support on the same date for all features in Windows Server 2016 Essentials, including Remote Web Access and other Essentials-specific features.
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025
Microsoft is encouraging administrators to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 before Windows Server 2016 reaches the end of support.
Windows Server 2025 began rolling out to Windows Insiders in January 2024 and became generally available in November 2024. “To keep your environment protected and supported, plan your upgrade to Windows Server 2025,” the company said.
Windows Server 2025 is the latest Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server. According to Microsoft’s Lifecycle Platform, mainstream support will end in November 2029, followed by five years of extended support through November 14, 2034.
Organizations that want to evaluate the platform before deploying it can download a free 180-day trial from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Additional information about Windows servicing dates is available through Microsoft’s Windows Lifecycle FAQ and Lifecycle Policy Search Tool.
Earlier this month, Microsoft also announced that devices running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 would stop receiving security and non-security preview updates. The company encouraged affected customers to upgrade to Windows 11 version 26H2, also known as the Windows 11 2026 Update.
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Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com