Microsoft to end Windows Server 2016 security updates in January 2027

Microsoft says security updates for Windows Server 2016, its operating system for servers, will end on January 12, 2027. The January update will be the last, leaving affected installations without monthly updates containing protections against the latest security threats, according to a company notice reported by BleepingComputer.

This is a separate deadline from the end of mainstream support in January 2022. Windows Server 2016 has continued receiving security updates under extended support; that remaining support period ends in January 2027.

All four editions are affected

The security-update cutoff applies to every Windows Server 2016 edition: Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium and Standard.

On the same January 12 deadline, Microsoft will also end support for all Windows Server 2016 Essentials features, including Remote Web Access and related Essentials-specific functionality.

Microsoft recommends Windows Server 2025

Microsoft advises administrators to plan an upgrade to Windows Server 2025 before the deadline to help keep their systems protected and supported. That release became generally available in November 2024.

According to Microsoft’s support schedule, Windows Server 2025 mainstream support ends in November 2029, followed by extended support through November 14, 2034. Microsoft offers a free 180-day trial for administrators who want to test the release before deployment.