Many organizations are still running SQL Server 2016 in production. Sadly, many are running versions older than 2016 as well, however with SQL Server 2016, the end of extended support runs out very soon. July 14th, 2026, to be precise. After this date, there will be no additional updates unless you have an agreement for extended security updates.
For most organizations that are not in a situation to have those extended security updates, that means you need to be planning an upgrade very soon. July 2026 will be here before you know it.
There are numerous reasons to upgrade. Think about it, all the improvements that have been made with SQL Server 2017, 2019, 2022, and now SQL Server 2025. Not only have there been security updates, but there have also been massive improvements to the engine and various features. SQL Server 2016 was a major release with “It’s just faster” however Microsoft didn’t let off the gas over the past 10 years.
Don’t sit on the sidelines and expect someone else to push these upgrades. Start planning now. If you are running 3rd party software, engage with your vendors on what versions they support for your current application version. You may find that in order to upgrade the OS and SQL Server; you have to upgrade the application as well. You may be in luck, and you just need a SQL Server upgrade. Regardless, time is running out.
My advice is to try to get to SQL Server 2025. With the new Optimized Locking feature, it is a game changer. Otherwise, SQL Server 2022 is battle tested being it is now 3 years old.
If you must remain on SQL Server 2016 for some reason, there are options with license agreements, Azure Arc, and Azure VMs where you can get the extended security updates. Reach out to your Microsoft representative to discuss.
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