Windows Server underpins the backbone of many business operations. It handles file storage, Active Directory, print services, backups, virtual machines, and line-of-business applications.
Server 2016 and 2022 are both Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases, cutting through the techno babble, this means they are widely used in businesses for stability and long-term reliability. Windows servers still power a significant proportion of corporate IT infrastructure globally (Microsoft).
Running an unsupported server exposes your business to security vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, application incompatibilities, and costly downtime. These are commercial risks, not just technical issues. Ignoring them could impact revenue, disrupt operations, and damage customer confidence.
When is Windows Server support ending?
Some Windows Server support services have already ended, but here’s what you need to look out for:
Key dates
Windows Server 2022 ends mainstream support on 13 October 2026
What this means: Complete End of Life. No security patches or technical assistance. Huge compliance risks.
Windows Server 2016 goes end of support on 12 January 2027
What this means: No feature updates or non-security improvements.
Microsoft 365 apps will also stop updating on this platform.
The end of mainstream support means no more feature updates or non-security improvements. This means the system isn’t going to evolve and will become outdated over time.
End of support means no security patches, no technical assistance, and increased risk of operational failure (Microsoft). Using these servers puts your business at increased cybersecurity risk and can keep your business living in the past.
What to do next
1. Inventory and assess
Identify which servers are running 2016 or 2022 and what roles they perform.
2. Prioritise critical workloads
Determine which systems are business-critical and require the fastest upgrade or migration.
3. Plan your upgrade
Options include in-place upgrades, migrations to newer Server versions, or moving workloads to cloud services. Consider cost, downtime, and resource availability.
4. Test and validate
Before full deployment, validate backups, test applications, and ensure security controls remain intact.
5. Schedule and execute
Treat the upgrade as a project, not a patch, to avoid disruption and ensure your business continues running smoothly.
What this means for your business
The approaching support deadlines are not just a technical tick-box; they are a critical business decision point. Action now reduces risk, ensures compliance, and protects productivity, and should be treated as a major priority.
Remember you need to allow time to plan either a migration to the Cloud or a newer Windows Server version.
If you have limited resources or no tech team working for you, a migration can be difficult. At commited, we’ll take full charge of your IT infrastructure, offering Microsoft 365 services and ensuring you’re always on the latest Microsoft Server.
If you need help, we can review your Windows Estate and handle the upgrade end-to-end. Book a no-obligation review today.
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