In a significant shift, Microsoft is set to discontinue support for a range of its products in 2026, surpassing the number of products phased out in 2025. This includes widely used software such as Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, SQL Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012, all of which will reach their end-of-life dates. The implications of this transition are substantial, particularly for businesses that rely on these technologies for their operations.
Once a product’s support date arrives, users will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or paid support unless they opt into an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. However, it’s important to note that even with ESU, only critical security fixes are covered, leaving many vulnerabilities unaddressed. While software may still function post-support, the lack of protection can pose serious risks, especially for critical systems.
#1 Windows 11 24H2 (Home and Pro) – October
The end of servicing for Windows 11, version 24H2 for Home and Pro editions is set for October 13, 2026. As the default installation on new Windows 11 PCs since October 2024, this version impacts a large segment of the consumer base. Users can verify their version by pressing Win + R, typing winver, and hitting Enter. Notably, versions 25H2 and 26H2 operate on the same platform, and Microsoft has begun rolling out 25H2 to eligible devices to meet this deadline. Enterprise and Education editions will enjoy extended support until October 2027.
#2 Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021, all editions – October
Office 2021, which many users assumed came with lifetime support, will also reach its end on October 13, 2026. This includes all core applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Unlike previous versions, upgrading to a newer Office edition is not complimentary, leaving users who opted for the perpetual license facing a new purchasing decision sooner than anticipated. Microsoft 365 subscribers will not be affected, as their applications receive automatic updates.
#3 Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, final ESU year – October
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 are entering their final ESU year, with support ending on October 13, 2026. Many organizations still rely on these versions for critical applications, and with no additional ESU year available, those remaining on these platforms must consider migrating to Windows Server 2025 or transitioning workloads to Azure Virtual Machines to maintain security coverage.
#4 SQL Server 2016 – July
SQL Server 2016 will reach its extended end of support on July 14, 2026. This version has become integral for various business applications, and organizations must prepare for the transition to newer versions or consider migrating to Azure SQL Database, which offers managed patching.
#5 SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, plus Project Server 2016 and 2019 – July
Similarly, SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, along with Project Server editions, will also cease support on July 14, 2026. Organizations utilizing these platforms for custom workflows and document management must evaluate their options, including migrating to SharePoint Online or the Subscription Edition for continued support.
#6 Microsoft Publisher – October
In a notable change, Microsoft Publisher will be retired after October 2026. While the locally installed version will continue to function, it will no longer receive updates, and users are encouraged to transition to alternatives like Word or PowerPoint for their publishing needs.
#7 Exchange Server and Skype for Business Server, ESU Period 2 – October
Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, along with Skype for Business Server, will reach their final ESU cutoff on October 31, 2026. Organizations still relying on these on-premises solutions must act swiftly to migrate to cloud-based alternatives like Exchange Online or Teams.
#8 Windows 11 Enterprise and Education 23H2, plus .NET 8, .NET 9, and PowerShell 7.4 – November
Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions on version 23H2 will also reach their end of servicing on November 10, 2026, alongside .NET 8, .NET 9, and PowerShell 7.4. IT teams need to ensure upgrades are completed to maintain support.
#9 Windows 10 2016 LTSB and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 – October
The 2016 Long-Term Servicing Branch editions of Windows 10 will end their extended support on October 13, 2026. Organizations using these editions for specialized hardware must migrate to a currently supported LTSC release.
#10 Windows 11 SE – October
Windows 11 SE, aimed at the education sector, will lose support on October 1, 2026. Schools that invested in this ecosystem will need to transition to standard Windows 11 editions.
#11 Dynamics CRM 2016 and older Dynamics products – January
Dynamics CRM 2016 and older versions lost support earlier this year, necessitating migration to Dynamics 365 for those still using these legacy systems.
#12 Microsoft Configuration Manager, version 2409 – June
Configuration Manager version 2409 reached end of support on June 6, 2026, requiring IT admins to update to a newer version to continue receiving fixes.
#13 Visual Studio 2022 LTSC channels, versions 17.10 and 17.12 – January and July
The Long-Term Servicing Channel builds of Visual Studio 2022 have staggered end dates, with version 17.10 losing support in January and 17.12 following in July 2026.
#14 InfoPath 2013, SharePoint Designer 2013, and legacy virtualization tools – April and July
A variety of older Microsoft tools will also wind down throughout the year, with InfoPath 2013 and SharePoint Designer 2013 reaching their end of support on July 14, 2026.
#15 Azure service retirements – September and October
Several Azure AI and infrastructure services will retire in late 2026, prompting developers to adapt their applications to newer Azure offerings.
With over fifty products facing support discontinuation, the 2026 landscape presents a considerable challenge for businesses. The most pressing concerns arise from the impending deadlines for Windows 11 24H2 and Office 2021, alongside SQL Server 2016, which pose significant risks if not addressed promptly. As Microsoft continues to consolidate its support timelines, organizations are encouraged to review their current software landscape against Microsoft’s lifecycle page and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.
