Overview
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 is approaching its End of Support (EOS) milestone. If you are running SQL Server 2016 you should be aware of the key dates, the availability of Extended Security Updates (ESUs), and the implications for ongoing security and compliance.
This article summarises the important lifecycle information and provides guidance for clients of The SAM Club.
Key Dates
End of Support (EOS)
- July 14, 2026
Microsoft will end all regular support for SQL Server 2016 on this date.
Source: SQL Server 2016 – Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn
Extended Security Updates (ESUs)
- Available until July 17, 2029
Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates for SQL Server 2016 for three additional years after EOS.
ESUs allow organisations to continue receiving critical security patches while upgrading or modernising workloads.
What the Extended Security Update (ESU) Programme Includes
The ESU programme provides access to security updates only for vulnerabilities rated Critical by the MSRC – Microsoft Security Response Center
Important Details
- There is no regular or monthly update cycle for ESUs.
- Updates are released only when a Critical vulnerability is discovered that affects SQL Server 2016.
- The severity of vulnerabilities is determined using the MSRC Security Update Severity Rating System.
References:
- Security Update Severity Rating System
- · Product Lifecycle FAQ – Extended Security Updates | Microsoft Learn
SQL Server 2017 & 2019 are now currently in their extended support phase, which means Microsoft only provides critical security updates and essential bug fixes. No new features or design changes are introduced during this period.
SQL Server 2017:
- Release Date: September 29, 2017
- Mainstream Support Ended: October 11, 2022
- Extended Support Ends: October 12, 2027
SQL Server 2019:
- Release Date: November 4, 2019
- Mainstream Support Ends: February 28, 2025
- Extended Support Ends: January 8, 2030
Contact us at The SAM Club if you would like us to complete a SQL Server assessment and license review to advise of your upgrade options or if you would like pricing or further information on the ESU’s.