Bowker IT › Support for Server 2016 is ending

Support for Server 2016 is ending - January 2027

8th June 2026

On 12 January 2027, Windows Server 2016 will reach its end-of-support date and will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft.

After this date, Microsoft will cease providing critical security patches, bug fixes, and technical support. As a result, systems running Windows Server 2016 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, malware, and other security risks, potentially putting your business data and operations at risk.

How will this affect you?

Once Windows Server 2016 reaches end of support, continuing to run it will expose your business to increased security and operational risks.

Key impacts include:

No further security or feature updates from Microsoft Update
No access to Microsoft technical support via phone, chat, or support requests
Support documentation and online resources will no longer be actively maintained
Increased vulnerability to cyber threats, malware, and security breaches
Potential compliance issues for businesses operating in regulated industries

While your server will not stop working on the end-of-support date, it will become increasingly vulnerable over time as new security threats emerge and no longer receive protection from Microsoft. The longer an unsupported server remains in use, the greater the risk to your business operations, data, and network security.

What are your options?

If you are not sure what version of Windows Server you are running speak to us and we can run through it with you.

Option 1 - Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which provides critical security updates for a limited period after the operating system reaches end of support. This service is available on a paid subscription basis and can be used for a maximum of three years.

While this option can help maintain security in the short term, it should be considered a temporary measure rather than a long-term solution. As a result, it is not an option we would typically recommend, except where immediate migration or replacement is not feasible.

Option 2 - Upgrade/Migrate to Windows Server 2025 with a hardware refresh

Our recommended approach is to upgrade or migrate your existing server environment to Windows Server 2025, combined with a hardware refresh where appropriate.

This option provides long-term support through to October 2034, ensuring your business remains secure, compliant, and fully supported for years to come.

Key benefits include:

Extended Microsoft support through October 2034
Improved system performance, reliability, and efficiency
Access to the latest security updates and features
Enhanced protection against emerging cyber threats
A modern, future-ready platform that supports business growth

By investing in a server upgrade now, you can reduce risk, improve productivity, and avoid the increasing costs associated with maintaining ageing infrastructure.

Don’t leave your business exposed.

For more information on either option, please contact our team by phone or email. We’ll be happy to discuss the available solutions, guide you through the options, and provide recommendations tailored to your business needs.

How We Work

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Plan

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