SharePoint Server 2016 & 2019 End of Support

What Is Happening?

Microsoft has confirmed that SharePoint Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2019 will both reach their end of support on 14 July 2026. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for these on-premises versions.

Organisations still running these platforms face significant security and compliance risks. Without regular patches, known vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, leaving your environment exposed to cyber threats.

Key Dates at a Glance

Why Does This Matter?

Running unsupported software carries real business risk:

Security vulnerabilities: Without patches, newly discovered exploits will go unresolved. Microsoft Threat Intelligence has documented state-sponsored actors targeting unpatched SharePoint Server instances.

Compliance exposure: Regulations such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and ISO 27001 typically require regularly patched software. Falling out of support can jeopardise certification.

No technical assistance: Microsoft Support will no longer troubleshoot issues or provide hotfixes after the end-of-support date.

Your Migration Options

1. Migrate to SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365)
Move to the cloud for automatic updates, built-in security, seamless integration with Teams and Copilot, and no on-premises infrastructure to manage. This is the recommended path for most organisations.

2. Upgrade to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SPSE)-Not Recommended
If regulatory or data-sovereignty requirements mean you must remain on-premises, SPSE provides a supported platform with regular feature and security updates.

How ThinkShare Can Help

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, ThinkShare specialises in SharePoint migrations and modern intranet deployments. We can help you assess your current environment, plan a migration roadmap, and execute the move with minimal disruption.

If you need a full migration to SharePoint Online, our team has the expertise to guide you through every step.

SharePoint Server Migration Checklist: 12-Week Timeline

With the 14 July 2026 deadline approaching, organisations should begin planning now. ThinkShare recommends a structured 12-week migration programme to move from SharePoint Server 2016 or 2019 to SharePoint Online.

Weeks 1–2: Discovery and Audit

Begin with a full inventory of your SharePoint Server environment. Document every site collection, content database, custom web part, workflow, and integration. ThinkShare uses automated scanning tools alongside manual review to identify content that can migrate directly and content that requires remediation. This phase also maps your current permissions model and identifies any bespoke InfoPath forms or SharePoint Designer workflows that need replacing with Power Automate or Power Apps.

Weeks 3–4: Architecture and Information Design

Design your target SharePoint Online structure. This includes hub site topology, site provisioning standards, metadata and content type planning, and retention label configuration. ThinkShare works with your stakeholders to ensure the new environment reflects how your teams actually work, not simply a lift-and-shift of the old structure.

Weeks 5–8: Migration Execution

ThinkShare uses ShareGate and the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) to move content in phased batches. We prioritise business-critical sites first, validate content integrity after each batch, and resolve permission mapping issues as they arise. Large document libraries and sites with complex version histories receive dedicated attention to preserve audit trails.

Weeks 9–10: Testing and Validation

User acceptance testing with representative staff from each department. We verify that documents open correctly, metadata has transferred, search returns expected results, and all integrations with Teams, OneDrive, and third-party systems function as intended.

Weeks 11–12: Go-Live and Decommissioning

Cut over remaining users, redirect DNS entries, and begin the decommissioning process for on-premises SharePoint Server farms. ThinkShare provides hypercare support during the first two weeks post-migration to address any issues quickly.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

After 14 July 2026, Microsoft will not issue security patches for SharePoint Server 2016 or 2019. Any vulnerability discovered after that date will remain unpatched indefinitely. Organisations subject to Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or GDPR may find their compliance certifications at risk. Insurance providers increasingly require evidence of supported software stacks, and running end-of-life platforms can affect cyber insurance premiums and claims.