Windows Server 2016: extended support ends January 12, 2027

Microsoft's lifecycle page lists Windows Server 2016 with mainstream support ended in January 2022 and extended support ending January 12, 2027. Containers released with Windows Server 2016 follow the same dates.

Three options to put on the roadmap

• Upgrade in place or rebuild on a supported Windows Server version
• Move the workload — to Linux or a managed service, if it allows
• Buy time — check whether extended security updates are offered for your case, and budget for them

A sample roadmap

Illustrative example only. Three servers: a file share, an internal web app and a build agent. November: inventory and owners. December: rebuild the build agent and the web app on a supported version. Early January: migrate the file share, keep the old server read-only for two weeks.

Note. Include container base images in the inventory — they follow the same lifecycle.

Checklist

• ☐ Servers and images on 2016 listed with owners
• ☐ Option chosen for each
• ☐ Dependencies and licences checked
• ☐ Migration windows booked before January 12
• ☐ Old servers decommissioned or isolated

Free roadmap

Open the timeline and roadmap →

Source: Microsoft Lifecycle — Windows Server 2016, learn.microsoft.com. Checked 2026-11-01.