SharePoint Server serves as the backbone for document management and collaboration in organizations worldwide. However, are you prepared for the approaching end of support deadlines? Understanding the exact end of support schedules for each SharePoint Server version and preparing migration strategies is crucial for maintaining business continuity and security compliance.
Today, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of EOS (End of Support) and EOL (End of Life) schedules for all SharePoint Server versions, along with available options after support ends.
1. Understanding SharePoint Server End of Support
When SharePoint Server reaches end of support, it doesn’t simply mean no new features will be added. It means Microsoft will no longer provide the following services for that product:
- Security Updates discontinued
- Technical Support terminated
- Bug Fixes halted
- Compliance Certifications no longer maintained
This significantly increases exposure to security vulnerabilities and can create serious compliance issues for organizations in regulated industries.
2. Comprehensive SharePoint Product Family End of Support Schedule
SharePoint Server Major Version Lifecycle
| Product Name | Release Date | Mainstream Support End | Extended Support End | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Portal Server 2001 | March 27, 2001 | March 27, 2006 | March 27, 2009 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Team Services | August 2001 | August 2006 | August 2009 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Portal Server 2003 | June 2003 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 | 🔴 End of Support |
| Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 | June 2003 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) | January 27, 2007 | October 9, 2012 | October 10, 2017 | 🔴 End of Support |
| Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 | January 27, 2007 | October 9, 2012 | October 10, 2017 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Foundation 2010 | May 12, 2010 | October 13, 2015 | April 13, 2021 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Server 2010 | May 12, 2010 | October 13, 2015 | April 13, 2021 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Foundation 2013 | January 9, 2013 | April 10, 2018 | April 11, 2023 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Server 2013 | January 9, 2013 | April 10, 2018 | April 11, 2023 | 🔴 End of Support |
| SharePoint Server 2016 | May 4, 2016 | July 13, 2021 | July 14, 2026 | 🟡 Extended Support |
| SharePoint Server 2019 | October 22, 2018 | January 9, 2024 | July 14, 2026 | 🟡 Extended Support |
| SharePoint Server Subscription Edition | November 2, 2021 | – | – | 🟢 Modern Policy Applied |
Service Pack Detailed Support Schedule
| Product Name and Service Pack | Release Date | Service Pack Support End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SharePoint 2007 SP1 | December 2007 | July 2009 | 12 months after SP2 release |
| SharePoint 2007 SP2 | April 2009 | October 2010 | 12 months after SP3 release |
| SharePoint 2007 SP3 | October 2010 | October 10, 2017 | Until product end of support |
| SharePoint 2010 SP1 | June 2011 | December 2012 | 12 months after SP2 release |
| SharePoint 2010 SP2 | July 2012 | April 13, 2021 | Until product end of support |
| SharePoint 2013 SP1 | February 2014 | April 11, 2023 | Until product end of support |
SharePoint Edition Breakdown
| SharePoint 2016 Edition | License Model | Key Features | Support End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Server 2016 Standard | On-premises CAL | Basic collaboration features | July 14, 2026 |
| SharePoint Server 2016 Enterprise | On-premises CAL | Advanced features included | July 14, 2026 |
| SharePoint 2019 Edition | License Model | Key Features | Support End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Server 2019 Standard | On-premises CAL | Basic collaboration features | July 14, 2026 |
| SharePoint Server 2019 Enterprise | On-premises CAL | Advanced features included | July 14, 2026 |
Related Product Support End Dates
| Related Product | Support End Date | SharePoint Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Designer 2007 | October 10, 2017 | End of support with SharePoint 2007 |
| SharePoint Designer 2013 | July 14, 2026 | End of support with SharePoint 2016/2019 |
| InfoPath 2013 | July 14, 2026 | SharePoint Form functionality replacement needed |
| SharePoint 2010 Workflow | July 14, 2026 | Power Automate migration recommended |
| SharePoint 2013 Workflow | April 2, 2026 (SharePoint Online) | Power Automate migration recommended |
Key Points
- SharePoint Foundation is the free version that serves as the base platform for SharePoint Server
- Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) was the predecessor to SharePoint Foundation
- SharePoint 2016 and 2019 share the same end date (July 14, 2026)
- SharePoint 2010 was extended by 6 months from the original October 2020 date due to COVID-19
- Service Pack Support Policy: 12 months after next SP release or until product end of support
- Subscription Edition follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy instead of the traditional fixed lifecycle policy
3. Understanding Support Policies – Fixed vs Modern Lifecycle
SharePoint Server follows different support policies depending on the version.
Fixed Lifecycle Policy
All SharePoint versions through 2019 follow this policy, providing 10 years of total support:
- Mainstream Support (5 years): Feature updates, platform updates, security updates, functionality fixes
- Extended Support (5 years): Security updates only (paid support available)
Modern Lifecycle Policy
SharePoint Server Subscription Edition applies this policy:
- Continuous Updates: Monthly Public Updates (PU) provided
- 12-Month Support: Each PU is supported for one year after release
- 12-Month Notice Minimum: At least 12 months advance notice for end of support
4. Risks of Using Unsupported Versions
Organizations still running SharePoint Server 2013 or earlier face significant risks:
Security Risks
- No patches available for newly discovered vulnerabilities
- Increased exposure to ransomware and cyberattacks
- Heightened risk of corporate data breaches
Compliance Risks
- Potential failure of regulatory compliance audits
- Loss of industry certifications
- Legal and financial consequences
Operational Risks
- No technical support for issue resolution
- System instability due to compatibility problems
- Dramatically increased maintenance costs
5. The 2026 Challenge – Simultaneous End of Support
A critical point to note is that SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 will end support on the same date: July 14, 2026. This means many organizations will need to migrate simultaneously, potentially causing:
- Saturated migration vendor schedules
- Difficulty securing skilled professionals
- Possible license price increases
- Rising support service costs
Planning must begin now, as waiting until 2026 may be too late.
6. Migration and Upgrade Paths
Option 1: SharePoint Online Migration (Recommended)
Advantages:
- Automatic updates and latest features
- No infrastructure management burden
- Perfect integration with Microsoft 365
- Access from anywhere, any device
Disadvantages:
- Limited customization options
- Monthly subscription costs
- Internet connectivity required
Option 2: SharePoint Server Subscription Edition Upgrade
Advantages:
- Maintain on-premises environment
- High customization flexibility
- Complete data control
- Modern Lifecycle Policy applied
Disadvantages:
- Infrastructure management required
- Regular update management burden
- High initial deployment costs
Option 3: Hybrid Approach
Features:
- Combines benefits of both environments
- Keep sensitive data on-premises
- Use cloud for general collaboration
- Enable gradual migration
7. Migration Preparation Checklist
Current Environment Analysis
- [ ] Verify SharePoint version and patch level in use
- [ ] Document custom solutions and workflows
- [ ] Assess data size and site structure
- [ ] Analyze user count and permission structure
Migration Tool Review
- [ ] SPMT (SharePoint Migration Tool): Microsoft’s free tool
- [ ] ShareGate: Commercial migration solution
- [ ] Kernel Migration for SharePoint: Automated migration tool
- [ ] AvePoint: Enterprise-grade migration platform
Preparation Items
- [ ] Establish backup and recovery plan
- [ ] Develop user training plan
- [ ] Create migration schedule and rollback plan
- [ ] Review security and compliance requirements
8. Microsoft Official Support and Resources
Key Reference Materials
- Microsoft Lifecycle Policy: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/
- SharePoint Migration Tool: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepointmigration/
- FastTrack for Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/fasttrack
Support Services
- Microsoft Support: Paid support services
- Microsoft Q&A: Community-based free support
- Microsoft Tech Community: Expert and user community
SharePoint Server end of support is not merely an IT issue but a critical business continuity concern. With SharePoint 2016 and 2019 both ending support on July 14, 2026, systematic preparation starting now is essential.
Immediate Action Items
- Environment Assessment: Verify current version and time remaining until end of support
- Migration Planning: Establish phased plan for completion before 2026
- Budget Allocation: Secure migration-related budget in advance
- Expert Consultation: Consult with specialists for complex environments
SharePoint end of support represents both a challenge and an opportunity to upgrade to the latest technology. Through advance preparation, you can achieve a stable and efficient migration to an enhanced collaboration environment.