Customers rely on Windows Server to power their mission-critical workloads. Guided by customer feedback, we continue to deliver new innovations for Windows Server across Azure, on-premises environments, and the edge.
As we continue to innovate, support for older Windows Server versions—including security updates—eventually comes to an end. In accordance with the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy, extended support for Windows Server 2016 will end on January 12, 2027.
Many customers are already upgrading to the latest version of Windows Server to take advantage of the newest innovations and modernize their IT environment. Windows Server 2025 stands as the most secure and cloud‑connected version ever—bringing cloud‑grade security, hotpatching, and centralized hybrid management to on‑premises environments.
However, we recognize that Windows Server often supports complex, business-critical applications, and some customers may need additional time to complete their modernization journey. To help protect these workloads during the transition, we are pleased to offer flexible options and benefits through Azure and the latest Windows Server releases.
Today, we are announcing Extended Security Updates for Windows Server 2016.
Extended Security Updates for Windows Server 2016 deliver an enhanced cloud experience through Azure Arc. Security updates are available through the Azure portal, providing a streamlined, customer-centric way to protect on-premises and multi-cloud environments. For customers who need to keep workloads on premises, Extended Security Updates enabled by Azure Arc provide additional Azure benefits, including licensing flexibility, Azure management capabilities, and advanced security features, while also unlocking flexible subscription billing for Windows Server 2016 workloads.
While this provides an option to continue running Windows Server 2016 to avoid any disruption to business-critical applications, this period also presents the opportunity to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 or consider migrating to Azure.
To get started with planning Windows Server 2016 end of support, please refer to the Extended Security Updates frequently asked questions for more information, and learn about the latest in Azure Migration and Modernization Program. For more information on the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy, see the Windows Server 2016 lifecycle page.
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