MICROSOFT END OF LIFE
Understanding when Microsoft products reach the end of their service life is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient IT environment. Our Microsoft End of Life (EoL) page provides you with the essential information on the lifecycle endpoints for various Microsoft products, helping you plan for updates, transitions, or replacements in a timely manner.
What is the Microsoft Fixed Lifecycle Policy?
The Fixed Lifecycle Policy is a commitment from Microsoft to provide support and servicing for their products over a specified timeframe. This policy applies to many Microsoft commercial and consumer products, offering a transparent and predictable lifecycle from the moment of product launch.
Under this policy, Microsoft ensures a minimum period of support, including updates and security patches, helping customers effectively plan for the future of their software environments. The policy is essential for IT administrators, professionals, and end-users to understand, as it guides their software management and upgrade strategies.
| Lifecycle Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Mainstream Support | Initial phase of product support, offering full support including incident support, security updates, and the ability to request non-security updates. |
| Extended Support | Follows Mainstream Support; includes paid support and free security updates but no new feature requests or warranty claims. |
| Beyond End of Support | Final phase after Extended Support; no new security updates, non-security updates, or support (paid or free) provided. |
What is Mainstream Support?
Mainstream Support is the first phase in the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. During this period, Microsoft provides comprehensive support for its products. This includes:
- Incident support (no-charge incident support, paid incident support, support charged on an hourly basis, and support for warranty claims).
- Security update support.
- The ability to request non-security updates.
The duration of Mainstream Support is typically 5 years from the date of the product’s general availability. However, this can vary based on the specific product or licensing agreement.
What is Extended Support?
Extended Support is the phase following Mainstream Support. During this period, Microsoft continues to offer support for its products but with some limitations. Key aspects of Extended Support include:
- Paid support (charged on an hourly basis or per incident).
- Security updates at no additional cost.
- No new features, design changes, or warranty support.
- Non-security updates require a separate Extended Hotfix Support Agreement to be purchased (not available for desktop operating system products).
The Extended Support phase also typically lasts for 5 years following the end of Mainstream Support, resulting in a total lifecycle of around 10 years for most products under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. However, specific terms can vary depending on the product.
Key Microsoft Products and Their End of Life Dates
| Version | Start Date | EOSL Date | Extended End of Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQL Server 2016 | 6/1/2016 | 7/13/2021 | 7/14/2026 |
| Hyper-V Server 2016 | 10/15/2016 | 1/11/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| Windows Storage Server 2016 | 10/15/2016 | 1/11/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| Windows Server 2016 Standard | 10/15/2016 | 1/11/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| Windows Server 2016 Datacenter | 10/15/2016 | 1/11/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| Windows Server 2016 Essentials | 10/15/2016 | 1/11/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| SQL Server 2017 | 9/29/2017 | 10/11/2022 | 10/12/2027 |
| Windows Multipoint Server 2016 Premium | 10/15/2016 | 11/1/2022 | 1/12/2027 |
| Windows Server IoT 2019 | 3/4/2019 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Windows Server IoT 2019 for Storage | 3/4/2019 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Windows Server 2019 Standard | 11/13/2018 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Hyper-V Server 2019 | 11/13/2018 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Windows Server 2019 Datacenter | 11/13/2018 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Windows Server 2019 Essentials | 11/13/2018 | 1/9/2024 | 1/9/2029 |
| Azure DevOps Server 2019 | 3/5/2019 | 4/9/2024 | 4/10/2029 |
| SQL Server 2019 | 11/4/2019 | 1/7/2025 | 1/8/2030 |
| Azure DevOps Server 2020 | 8/25/2020 | 10/14/2025 | 10/8/2030 |
| Windows Server 2022 Standard | 8/18/2021 | 10/13/2026 | 10/14/2031 |
| Windows Server 2022 Essentials | 8/18/2021 | 10/13/2026 | 10/14/2031 |
| Windows Server 2022 Datacenter | 8/18/2021 | 10/13/2026 | 10/14/2031 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the End of Life date for Windows Server 2019?
The End of Service Life (EOSL) date for Windows Server 2019 Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials is January 9, 2024. The Extended End of Life date is January 9, 2029.
When does Windows Server 2022 reach End of Life?
Windows Server 2022 Standard, Essentials, and Datacenter will reach their End of Service Life (EOSL) on October 13, 2026, with the Extended End of Life date on October 14, 2031.
How can I prepare for the End of Life of Windows Server versions?
Preparing for End of Life involves planning for upgrades or transitions to newer server versions. It’s important to consider the implications for security, compatibility, and functionality. Top Gun Technology offers consultation services to help navigate these transitions smoothly.
What does End of Life mean for my Windows Server product?
End of Life means that the product will no longer receive any form of support from Microsoft, including security updates and patches. This can expose your IT environment to security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
Are there any support options available after the End of Life date?
After the official End of Life date, Microsoft will not provide support. However, Top Gun Technology offers various support options to ensure your systems remain secure and operational. Contact us to explore these options.
Can I still use my Windows Server product after its End of Life date?
Yes, you can continue using your product after its End of Life date, but it is not recommended. The lack of updates and support can pose significant security and operational risks.
How often does Microsoft update the End of Life dates?
Microsoft sets the End of Life dates based on their Fixed Lifecycle Policy. These dates are generally fixed but can be subject to change. We recommend regularly checking our Microsoft End of Service Life page or subscribing to our newsletter for updates.
END OF SERVICE LIFE BY OEM
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