Microsoft End of Support 2026: Windows, Office, Server & SQL Deadlines Explained

Several major Microsoft products are approaching the end of support in 2026, and that matters more than many organisations realise.

When a product reaches the end of support, Microsoft stops providing security updates, patches, and technical assistance. The software does not suddenly stop working; it simply stops being protected. Over time, that creates real security, compliance, and operational risks.

Understanding this timeline is crucial for IT professionals and business owners. It helps them plan for necessary upgrades and avoid security risks. Without support, software can become vulnerable to cyber threats.

If you’re still running older Windows, Office, Server, or development tools, 2026 is a key planning year.

Let’s break down what’s happening and what you should do next.

What Does End of Support Mean for Microsoft Products?

Windows 10 End of Support and ESU in 2026

Deadline: 2026 marks the end of Year 1 ESU

While the primary Windows 10 end of support date lands in October 2025, many organisations plan to rely on Extended Security Updates (ESU) into 2026.

• 2026 is Year 1 of ESU
• It’s the lowest-cost year
• Costs increase significantly in Years 2 and 3

Remaining on Windows 10 means accepting rising costs and growing limitations. New capabilities, including Copilot features and advanced Intune management improvements, are built specifically for Windows 11.

If you are still on Windows 10, now is the time to plan your move.

👉 Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro to stay supported

Upgrading early avoids ESU cost escalation and resets your support lifecycle.

Read more about Windows 10 support ended. Should you upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in Windows 10 ESU?

Windows 11 Version 24H2 End of Support (October 2026)

Deadline: October 4, 2026

One of the most important end-of-support dates in 2026 is for Windows 11 version 24H2.

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 11 24H2 ends on October 4, 2026. After that date, devices running this version will no longer receive security updates, quality fixes, or technical support.

Version 24H2 originally launched on October 1, 2024, and marked one of the largest feature updates to the Windows 11 platform. Like previous releases, it follows Microsoft’s standard lifecycle policy. Older feature versions are retired as newer ones become available.

Devices running 24H2 will need to move to a newer supported release, such as Windows 11 version 25H2, to continue receiving updates and security protection.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Version 25H2

Windows 11, version 25H2, is now available to all eligible Windows 11 devices for users who have enabled the setting:

“Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”

If that setting is enabled, 25H2 should appear automatically via Windows Update.

Upgrading resets your support clock and ensures continued security updates.

Move to Windows 11 Pro to extend your support lifecycle.

Office 2021 End of Support (October 13, 2026)

Deadline: October 13, 2026

Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 reach the end of support in October 2026. After that date:

• No security patches
• No bug fixes
• No technical support

If your organisation still runs Office 2021, budgeting should begin now.

You have two strong upgrade paths:

• 👉 Consider moving to Microsoft 365 E3 for continuous updates
• 👉 Upgrade to Office LTSC 2024 Professional Plus

Both options extend support and keep your productivity environment secure.

Compare versions in our guide to Office LTSC 2021 vs Office LTSC 2024.

Windows Server 2016 End of Support (January 2027)

Deadline: End of Support January 12, 2027
2026 is the final full year to migrate

Windows Server 2016 enters its last full year of support in 2026 before its hard end-of-support date in January 2027.

Despite its age, it remains heavily deployed in midmarket and enterprise environments. Many organisations still rely on it for:

• Domain Controllers
• File services
• Identity infrastructure
• Core line-of-business applications

Outdated servers introduce material risk, especially when hosting critical workloads.

That makes 2026 the decisive year for migration planning and execution.

Recommended priorities:

• Assess which workloads can be rehosted or modernised in Azure
• Upgrade or redesign the domain controller architecture
• Plan dependency remediation for older business applications

👉 Upgrade to Windows Server 2025 before support ends

Modern server platforms improve security baselines, performance, and hybrid-cloud integration.

SQL Server 2016

Deadline: July 14, 2026

SQL Server 2016 reaches the end of extended support in mid-2026. Databases are high-value attack targets, and running unsupported database software significantly increases exposure.

Migration options include newer on-premises versions or Azure-based services, depending on your infrastructure strategy.

If you are still on SQL Server 2016, don’t wait until the deadline to act.

👉 Upgrade to SQL Server 2022 Standard and stay secure

Visual Studio 2022 LTSC End of Support in 2026

Deadline: July 14, 2026

Certain long-term servicing channel releases of Visual Studio 2022 reach the end of support in 2026. Development environments often get overlooked in lifecycle planning, but unsupported tools can create compatibility and security issues.

If your Visual Studio 2022 LTSC release is approaching the end of support in 2026, now is the time to transition to a fully supported edition.

👉 Upgrade to Visual Studio 2022 Professional (Perpetual Edition)

Keeping development platforms up to date ensures compatibility with modern frameworks and security standards.

What Does “End of Support” Actually Mean?

• No more security updates
• No vulnerability patches
• No technical assistance
• No compliance assurances

The software keeps running. But it becomes increasingly risky to rely on.

For regulated industries, unsupported systems can also create audit failures and insurance concerns.

What Should You Do Before Microsoft End of Support Deadlines?

Brytesoft’s advice is simple: don’t wait until the week of the deadline.

Here’s where to start:

1. Check your Windows version
   Go to:
   Settings > System > About
   Confirm which Windows version and feature update you are running.
2. Audit your Office deployment
   If you’re on Office 2021, begin budgeting for replacement now.
3. Review your servers
   Identify any instances of Windows Server 2016. Determine which workloads can be upgraded, migrated, or modernised.
4. Upgrade early
   Most experts recommend moving to supported platforms sooner rather than later. Upgrades like moving to Windows 11 are generally straightforward and preserve user settings while resetting your support clock.

None of these products stops functioning overnight. But they do stop being protected.

Knowing the dates now gives you time to move forward safely.

Final Thoughts

2026 is not just another calendar year. It’s a turning point for several widely deployed Microsoft products, as they reach the end of support.

Organisations that plan early will:

• Avoid escalating ESU costs
• Reduce security exposure
• Maintain compliance
• Unlock modern productivity and management features

If your environment includes Windows 10, Office 2021, Windows Server 2016, or SQL Server 2016, now is the time to assess and act.

Upgrading is not just about staying current. It’s about staying secure. Start your upgrade planning now to stay secure, compliant, and ahead of technological risk.