There’s one piece of information that database administrators simply cannot afford to overlook: MS-SQL Server End of Support (EOS) dates. With SQL Server 2012’s Extended Security Updates reaching their final termination in 2025, countless organizations are scrambling to plan urgent migrations.
Today, we’ll dive deep into exactly how long your current MS-SQL Server version remains supported and what response strategies are available once support ends.
1. Understanding MS-SQL Server Support Policy
Microsoft provides a 10-year support policy for all SQL Server versions, divided into two distinct phases:
Mainstream Support – 5 Years
- New feature additions
- Performance improvements
- Scalability enhancements
- Security updates
- Bug fixes
- Free technical support
Extended Support – 5 Years
- Security updates only
- Bug fixes (critical cases only)
- Technical support (paid)
- No new feature additions
2. Detailed MS-SQL Server End-of-Support Information by Version
SQL Server 2012 (Version 11.0) – Critical Risk Zone
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 6, 2012 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | July 11, 2017 | Ended |
| Extended Support End | July 12, 2022 | Ended |
| Final ESU Termination | July 8, 2025 | Imminent |
⚠️ Critical Alert: SQL Server 2012’s Extended Security Updates will completely terminate on July 8, 2025. After this date, no security updates will be provided whatsoever.
SQL Server 2014 (Version 12.0) – Caution Zone
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | April 1, 2014 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | July 9, 2019 | Ended |
| Extended Support End | July 9, 2024 | Ended |
| Final ESU Termination | July 8, 2027 | ESU Available |
SQL Server 2016 (Version 13.0) – Planning Phase
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 1, 2016 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | July 13, 2021 | Ended |
| Extended Support End | July 14, 2026 | Extended Support Active |
SQL Server 2017 (Version 14.0) – Stable Phase
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2, 2017 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | October 11, 2022 | Ended |
| Extended Support End | October 12, 2027 | Extended Support Active |
SQL Server 2019 (Version 15.0) – Stable Phase
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 4, 2019 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | February 28, 2025 | Imminent |
| Extended Support End | January 8, 2030 | Mainstream Support Active |
SQL Server 2022 (Version 16.0) – Latest Version
| Category | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 16, 2022 | – |
| Mainstream Support End | January 11, 2028 | Mainstream Support Active |
| Extended Support End | January 11, 2033 | Mainstream Support Active |
3. Options After End of Support
Option 1: Upgrade to Latest Version
Advantages:
- Access to latest security features
- Performance improvements and new capabilities
- 10 years of fresh support cycle
Recommended Scenarios:
- Organizations preferring on-premises environments
- High importance on existing environment compatibility
- Sufficient upgrade planning time available
Option 2: Migrate to Azure SQL
Azure SQL Managed Instance:
- Fully managed service
- High compatibility with existing SQL Server
- Automated backup and patch management
Azure SQL Database:
- Serverless options supported
- Automatic scaling
- Cost-efficient operations
Option 3: Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Volume License or Software Assurance required
- Available for maximum 3 years
- Security updates only (no feature additions)
Cost Considerations:
- ESU costs equivalent to annual license fees
- Additional costs for on-premises environments
- Free provision in Azure VM environments
💡 Tip: For more detailed ESU information, refer to the “Extended Security Updates (ESU) Complete Guide” section below.
4. Special Considerations for 2025
Complete SQL Server 2012 Termination
After July 8, 2025, SQL Server 2012 will receive no security updates whatsoever. Organizations currently using this version face these risks:
- Increased Security Vulnerabilities: No patches available for new security threats
- Compliance Violations: Failure to meet regulatory compliance requirements
- Business Continuity Risks: Potential for unexpected system failures
SQL Server 2019 Mainstream Support End
SQL Server 2019’s mainstream support ends on February 28, 2025. Subsequently, it transitions to extended support, halting new feature additions.
5. Extended Security Updates (ESU) Complete Guide
What is ESU?
Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a security update service that Microsoft provides even after SQL Server’s extended support ends. Following the standard 10-year support period, it provides up to 3 additional years of critical security patches only.
ESU Scope and Limitations
✅ What ESU Provides:
- Critical and Important security updates
- Security vulnerability patches
- Technical support (separate support plan required)
❌ What ESU Doesn’t Provide:
- New feature additions
- Performance improvement updates
- General bug fixes
- Customer-requested non-security updates
ESU Eligibility Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Volume License or Software Assurance ownership required
- Latest Service Pack or Cumulative Update applied for the SQL Server version
- Annual subscription requiring yearly renewal
Supported Editions:
- Enterprise, Datacenter, Standard, Web, Workgroup editions
- Both x86 and x64 versions supported
- Express edition not eligible for ESU
ESU Cost Structure
On-Premises Environment:
- Year 1: 75% of existing license cost
- Year 2: 100% of existing license cost
- Year 3: 200% of existing license cost
Azure Environment (Special Benefit):
- Free ESU provision when hosting SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
- No additional costs for Azure SQL Managed Instance migration
- Benefit provided by Microsoft to encourage cloud migration
Current ESU Availability Status
SQL Server 2012:
- Extended Support End: July 12, 2022
- Final ESU Termination: July 8, 2025
- Currently in ESU Year 3 (final year)
SQL Server 2014:
- Extended Support End: July 9, 2024
- Final ESU Termination: July 8, 2027
- ESU currently available for purchase (Year 1)
SQL Server 2016:
- Extended Support End: July 14, 2026
- ESU availability scheduled (purchasable from 2026)
ESU Purchase and Implementation Process
Step 1: Eligibility Verification
-- Check current SQL Server information
SELECT
SERVERPROPERTY('Edition') as Edition,
SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') as Version,
SERVERPROPERTY('ProductUpdateLevel') as UpdateLevel,
SERVERPROPERTY('LicenseType') as LicenseType;
Step 2: Contact Volume Licensing Partner or Microsoft
- Review existing volume license agreement
- Verify Software Assurance status
- Execute ESU purchase agreement
Step 3: ESU Key Registration
- Register ESU key in Microsoft Azure Portal
- Apply ESU key to on-premises servers
- Receive security updates through Windows Update
ESU-Related Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Express Edition receive ESU? A1: No, Express Edition is not eligible for ESU. As a free edition, ESU is not provided.
Q2: Can I upgrade to a higher edition during ESU period? A2: Yes, possible. When upgrading from Standard to Enterprise, ESU costs adjust accordingly.
Q3: Are ESU costs refunded when migrating from on-premises to Azure? A3: Generally not refunded. However, Azure provides free ESU, resulting in cost savings.
Q4: What happens if I continue using end-of-support SQL Server without ESU? A4: While technically functional, security patch unavailability significantly increases hacking risks and fails to meet most compliance requirements.
6. Migration Planning Guide
Step 1: Current Environment Analysis
-- Check current SQL Server version
SELECT @@VERSION;
-- Check installed instance information
SELECT
SERVERPROPERTY('MachineName') AS MachineName,
SERVERPROPERTY('ServerName') AS ServerName,
SERVERPROPERTY('InstanceName') AS InstanceName,
SERVERPROPERTY('Edition') AS Edition,
SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') AS ProductVersion,
SERVERPROPERTY('ProductUpdateLevel') AS ProductUpdateLevel;
Step 2: Compatibility Review
- Utilize Microsoft Data Migration Assistant (DMA)
- Analyze application dependencies
- Review custom functions and stored procedures
Step 3: Migration Strategy Selection
- Big Bang Approach: Complete system transition at once
- Gradual Approach: Step-by-step migration
- Hybrid Approach: Partial cloud, partial on-premises
Step 4: Test Environment Setup
- Configure test environment identical to production
- Verify performance and functionality
- Validate backup and recovery procedures
Step 5: Execution and Monitoring
- Establish phased execution plan
- Prepare rollback plan
- Implement post-migration monitoring system
7. Cost-Effective Upgrade Strategies
License Optimization
- SQL Server 2022 Standard vs Enterprise: Choose appropriate edition based on required features
- Azure Hybrid Benefit: Utilize existing licenses in Azure
- Software Assurance: Leverage upgrade rights and cloud benefits
Phased Cost Planning
- Assessment Phase: Utilize DMA tools (free)
- Testing Phase: Leverage development/test environment licenses
- Execution Phase: Gradual migration to minimize operational impact
- Operations Phase: Utilize monitoring and optimization tools
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I continue using SQL Server 2012 after ESU termination?
A1: Technically possible but not recommended. Without security updates, hacking risks increase significantly, and most compliance requirements cannot be met.
Q2: Is there risk of data loss during upgrades?
A2: Data loss risks can be minimized through proper backups and testing. Always perform complete backups before migration and conduct thorough validation in test environments.
Q3: Doesn’t Azure migration cost more?
A3: While short-term costs may increase, long-term economic benefits include reduced management costs, automated backups, and high-availability features.
Q4: Which version should I upgrade to?
A4: Currently, SQL Server 2022 as the latest version provides the longest support cycle. However, SQL Server 2019 is also an excellent choice considering existing application compatibility.
MS-SQL Server EOS isn’t merely a technical issue. It’s a critical matter requiring response for business continuity and security. Organizations currently using SQL Server 2012 must establish response measures before July 8, 2025. Start now to build a safe and efficient database environment. 🙂
Additional Resources
- Microsoft SQL Server Official Lifecycle Information
- Azure SQL Migration Guide
- SQL Server Upgrade Tools (DMA)