SharePoint 2016 End of Life: What is it & What to Do Next?

SharePoint 2016 End of Life is on July 14, 2026. With this date fast approaching, organizations must prepare for significant changes. This article explains what SharePoint 2016 end of life means, explores its impact, and outlines the steps you should take.

By understanding Microsoft SharePoint 2016 end of life and its consequences, you can plan a smooth transition to a modern solution that keeps your data secure and operations compliant. Adapting early will help mitigate risks while taking advantage of new features and improved integration.

What Does End of Life Mean in SharePoint 2016?

When a software product reaches its End of Life (EOL), it means that the vendor—in this case, Microsoft—will no longer provide support, security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for that product. For SharePoint 2016, reaching EOL signifies that after July 14, 2026, organizations will operate without the safety net of official updates or patches.

This lack of ongoing support makes systems more vulnerable to security risks, as any new threats or compatibility issues will not be addressed by Microsoft. Additionally, without the assurance of technical assistance, troubleshooting issues become more challenging, potentially leading to increased downtime and higher maintenance costs.

In essence, running an EOL version like SharePoint 2016 means that your business must face potential security breaches and operational inefficiencies unless a timely upgrade or migration is undertaken.

When is SharePoint 2016 End of Life?

SharePoint 2016 End of Life is on July 14, 2026. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle policy, this is the definitive date when SharePoint 2016 will no longer receive mainstream or extended support, prompting organizations to plan their migration strategy.

SharePoint 2016, which once enjoyed mainstream support, has now moved into an extended support phase. During this phase, the system receives only essential security updates and fixes, but no new features or general technical support.

According to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy, once the extended support period concludes, Microsoft will cease to provide any patches or support, leaving organizations operating with sharepoint server 2016 end of life conditions.

For IT teams, this means that planning an upgrade or migration strategy is not just recommended—it is essential to avoid potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues that come with running an unsupported system.

In practical terms, this timeline sets a clear deadline for organizations: transition before the support period ends. Failure to act could result in increased risks, especially as cyber threats evolve.

The extended support phase might offer temporary relief, but it should be viewed as the final grace period before a complete end-of-life scenario occurs. Businesses should use this period to perform a detailed review of their current systems and prepare for a seamless migration to a more modern solution.

How SharePoint 2016 End of Life Can Impact Your Business?

The transition into the SharePoint 2016 end of life phase can have far-reaching implications for your organization. Running an unsupported system exposes your business to several risks and challenges:

1. Security Vulnerabilities

Without regular updates and patches, systems become susceptible to cyberattacks. Hackers often target known vulnerabilities in outdated software.

An unsupported SharePoint version means that any new security threat may not be adequately addressed by Microsoft, leaving your data and infrastructure at risk.

2. Compliance and Legal Risks

Many industries have strict regulatory requirements. Running sharepoint 2016 on premise end of life means your system may not meet current compliance standards.

This could lead to legal complications or penalties, especially in industries where data security is paramount.

3. Operational Disruptions

Unsupported software may experience compatibility issues with newer technologies. As other parts of your IT infrastructure evolve, an outdated SharePoint environment might fail to integrate seamlessly with other tools, leading to downtime and reduced productivity.

4. Increased Maintenance Costs

Maintaining legacy systems can become more expensive over time. As specialized expertise becomes scarcer, finding support to troubleshoot issues becomes costlier.

These rising costs, coupled with the risk of critical failures, make the case for upgrading even stronger.

5. Limited Innovation

Modern platforms offer new functionalities, improved user interfaces, and better integration with cloud services. Sticking with an outdated system can hinder your organization’s ability to innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Upgrading to a current solution such as SharePoint Online or a newer on-premise version will not only resolve these issues but also provide enhanced features that improve overall efficiency and collaboration.

Taking a proactive approach now ensures that your business remains secure, compliant, and competitive.

What Should You Do Next?

Preparing for Microsoft SharePoint 2016 end of life requires a multi-step process to ensure a smooth transition and minimize business disruptions. Here’s a detailed action plan:

1. Conduct a System Audit

• Inventory Your Assets: Start by taking a comprehensive inventory of your SharePoint environment. Identify all critical applications, data repositories, workflows, and custom integrations.
• Assess Dependencies: Understand how your current system interacts with other applications and databases. This assessment is crucial for planning a migration that minimizes disruptions.
• Evaluate Security Posture: Review the security measures in place and identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited once support ends.

2. Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis

• Identify Potential Risks: Analyze how running an unsupported system might impact your operations. Consider both security risks and operational disruptions.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weigh the costs of maintaining the legacy system against the benefits of upgrading. Often, the hidden costs of security breaches and downtime far exceed the investment in modern solutions.

3. Explore Upgrade Paths

• Cloud Migration: Consider migrating to SharePoint Online. This cloud-based solution provides continuous updates, scalability, and robust security features that significantly reduce maintenance overhead.
• On-Premise Upgrade: For organizations that need to maintain an on-premise system due to regulatory or other constraints, investigate the latest supported versions of SharePoint. Although this may require hardware and software investments, it offers complete control over your environment.
• Hybrid Solutions: Evaluate the possibility of a hybrid model that combines on-premise control with cloud benefits. Hybrid solutions can provide a transitional phase while you gradually migrate critical components to the cloud.

4. Develop a Detailed Migration Plan

• Timeline and Milestones: Set clear timelines and milestones for the migration process. Ensure that you allocate enough time for testing, training, and troubleshooting.
• Budget Planning: Secure budget approval for the migration process. Include all potential costs, from hardware upgrades to training and third-party consulting services.
• Stakeholder Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about the planned migration. Transparent communication will help manage expectations and ensure support across the organization.

5. Leverage Expert Guidance

• Consult with IT Experts: Engage with Microsoft-certified professionals or reputable IT consultants specializing in SharePoint migrations. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition.
• Use Trusted Resources: Review best practices and case studies. Explore resources such as SharePoint Online vs On Premise and sharepoint workflow examples for real-world insights into similar migrations.

By following this structured approach, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the transition and secure your organization’s future. Early preparation is key to mitigating risks and ensuring continuity in your business operations.

What are My Options to Upgrade SharePoint 2016?

Organizations facing the challenges associated with SharePoint 2016 end of life extended support have several upgrade paths. Each option comes with its unique benefits and challenges:

1. Upgrade to SharePoint Online

Moving to SharePoint Online is a highly attractive option for many businesses. Here are some reasons why:

• Continuous Updates: SharePoint Online is part of Microsoft 365, ensuring that your system always runs on the latest software with regular updates and security patches.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: Cloud-based solutions reduce the burden of hardware maintenance and lower the overall IT management costs.
• Scalability: SharePoint Online offers robust scalability, accommodating growth without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
• Enhanced Security: Microsoft invests heavily in cloud security, offering advanced threat protection, compliance features, and disaster recovery options.
• Integration with Modern Tools: The platform integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, such as Teams and OneDrive, promoting enhanced collaboration and productivity.

2. Migrate to a Newer On-Premise Version

For organizations that need to maintain their on-premise infrastructure due to regulatory or operational requirements, migrating to a newer version of SharePoint is a viable solution:

• Improved Features: Newer on-premise versions come with enhanced features, improved user interfaces, and better support for modern integrations.
• Control Over Data: On-premise solutions offer complete control over data management and security configurations, which can be crucial for businesses with specific compliance needs.
• Customized Solutions: Companies that have heavily customized their SharePoint environment may prefer an on-premise upgrade to maintain the flexibility and custom functionalities they rely on.
• Gradual Migration: An on-premise upgrade can serve as a transitional step, allowing organizations to adapt gradually before potentially moving to a cloud-based solution later.

3. Consider Hybrid or Third-Party Solutions

A hybrid approach or the use of third-party migration tools can offer flexibility:

• Hybrid Model: Combining on-premise and cloud-based environments can provide the best of both worlds. It allows critical data to remain on local servers while leveraging the cloud for additional services and scalability.
• Third-Party Tools: Numerous vendors offer migration tools that can automate much of the transition process, reducing downtime and the risk of data loss. These tools can help bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern platforms, ensuring a smoother transition.
• Phased Migration: A hybrid strategy enables a phased migration, allowing your IT team to gradually move services to the cloud while maintaining critical operations on-premise. This approach can minimize disruptions and provide ample time for training and testing new systems.

When choosing the best upgrade option, consider factors such as your organization’s size, regulatory requirements, and long-term strategic goals. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hidden costs like training and potential downtime, against the benefits of modern features and improved security.

This thorough comparison will help you decide whether to move entirely to SharePoint Online, opt for a newer on-premise solution, or implement a hybrid approach that best fits your business needs.

Where Can I Get Help with My SharePoint Migration?

Migrating from an unsupported system like SharePoint 2016 can be complex, and expert guidance is crucial. At NGenious Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses navigate this transition seamlessly. Here are several ways to get assistance:

Engage with Certified Professionals

• Microsoft-Certified Consultants: These experts have in-depth knowledge of SharePoint and can design a tailored migration plan that addresses your unique needs.
• Specialized IT Firms: Companies that specialize in digital transformation and legacy system migrations can help plan, implement, and support your transition.

Leverage Online Resources and Communities

• Official Documentation: Microsoft’s Lifecycle Policy for SharePoint provides detailed insights into support timelines and best practices.
• Community Forums: Participate in discussions on platforms like the SharePoint Tech Community to learn from peers who have managed similar transitions.
• Case Studies and Guides: Reading detailed case studies, such as the guide on SharePoint 2013 End of Life, can provide practical insights into overcoming common challenges.

Also Read:

Utilize Third-Party Migration Tools

• Automation Tools: Many third-party solutions offer automated migration services that reduce manual effort, decrease downtime, and ensure data integrity throughout the process.
• Vendor Support: Some vendors provide end-to-end support, from initial assessment to post-migration troubleshooting, making the transition as smooth as possible.

By combining expert guidance, community knowledge, and advanced migration tools, and with the dedicated support from NGenious Solutions, you can ensure a secure and efficient transition from SharePoint 2016 to a modern platform that meets today’s business demands.

Whether you’re looking for consultation, hands-on assistance, or complete migration management, NGenious is here to help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

The impending SharePoint 2016 end of life is both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations. Operating an unsupported version—whether it’s SharePoint server 2016 end of life, SharePoint 2016 on-premise end of life, or even sharepoint foundation 2016 end of life—poses significant risks, including security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and increased operational costs.

By proactively planning your upgrade, whether through a migration to SharePoint Online, an upgrade to a newer on-premise version, or a hybrid solution, you can turn this transition into a strategic advantage.

Embrace the change by conducting a detailed audit, assessing risks, and exploring all available upgrade paths. Leverage expert guidance and trusted resources to craft a migration plan that minimizes disruption while enhancing your organization’s overall performance.

With a robust strategy in place, your business will remain secure, compliant, and ready to harness the benefits of modern digital collaboration tools. Act now to avoid the pitfalls of outdated software and secure a brighter, more efficient future for your organization.

SharePoint 2016 End of Life FAQs

Is SharePoint 2016 and 2019 end-of-life?

Both SharePoint 2016 and SharePoint 2019 have designated end-of-life dates, but their support timelines differ. SharePoint 2016 is entering its final phases of support with limited updates, whereas SharePoint 2019 continues to receive regular updates. Ultimately, both will require migration to newer systems as they reach their end-of-life.

What is the difference between end-of-life and end of extended support?

End-of-life means that a product no longer receives any updates, patches, or technical support, leaving it vulnerable to security risks. End of extended support indicates that while critical fixes might be available occasionally, regular updates and proactive support are discontinued, making the system increasingly risky over time.

When is SharePoint 2016 end of life?

SharePoint 2016 entered the extended support phase following the end of mainstream support. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle policy, extended support will continue until a specified date. Once this period ends, no further security updates or technical support will be provided, urging organizations to plan their migration strategy.

Can SharePoint 2016 run on Windows Server 2022?

Some administrators have attempted to run SharePoint 2016 on Windows Server 2022, but it is not officially supported by Microsoft. This unsupported configuration can lead to compatibility, performance, and security issues, making it advisable to follow the official system requirements for optimal performance.

Is SharePoint going away in 2026?

There is no official announcement that SharePoint as a platform will be discontinued in 2026. However, older versions like SharePoint 2016 will lose support by then. Microsoft continues to invest in SharePoint Online and modern on-premise versions, encouraging users to upgrade rather than abandon the platform.