Our earlier blog post in November 2025 explained what you need to know about the end of the extended support for Microsoft Windows Server 2016, effective on 12th January 2027. The blog will explore your options if this deadline affects your organisation.
What are your options
The two main options are a server migration – either on-premise or cloud. The alternative, Extended Security Updates (ESU), is short-term option and generally not recommended. We’ll explore these options below.
On-premise server migration
Upgrading to modern server hardware can provide many years of guaranteed security updates, with extended support running through to 2034 for those that migrate to Windows Server 2025. In addition, this would provide improved security features as well as superior performance and efficiency. However, prices are anticipated to increase through 2026 and 2027 due to the demand for AI hardware, so organisations should assess their IT budgets and plan procurement as soon as possible to avoid further price increases.
An on-premise server migration is best suited to those that have specific compliance or regulatory requirements or application decencies that mean on-premise infrastructure is a necessity.
Cloud migration
Organisations who are ready to migrate fully to the cloud will experience many benefits over and above retiring their end of life server. Cloud resources can be scaled both up and down, allowing the organisation to react to business changes and to prevent over-spending on hardware. Cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure have robust business continuity capabilities, such as built-in redundancy, disaster recovery features and automated backups. In addition, cloud platforms benefit from enterprise-level security features, including advanced threat detection, automated patching and security monitoring.
Extended Security Update (ESU) Program
As a last resort, Microsoft offer extended security updates as a paid option to continue receiving security updates, for a limited period of time; a maximum of three years. However, this is not a long term solution and not one that we would recommend for servers.
Our recommendation
Our main piece of advice is to act as soon as you can. If you are operating Microsoft Windows Server 2016 in your organisation, speak to an IT partner now to assess your options – giving yourself time to evaluate and compare the benefits and cost implications of both an on-premise and cloud migration. Allowing adequate time for evaluation, planning, implementation and testing will ensure a smoother server migration and avoid business disruption.
How we can help
We are highly experienced in both on-premise and cloud migrations and can advise on the best way forward for your organisation. We can:
- Audit and evaluate your current server
- Recommend the most suitable migration path for your specific needs
- Project manage server upgrades and cloud migration projects in their entirety from planning through to handover
- Offer ongoing IT support
Contact us to discuss your options.