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End of Support Dates

All the latest SQL Server End of Support Dates, brought to you by The Database Experts

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Running an SQL Server Database?

Whether you’re on SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2019, or anything in between – it’s prudent to keep an eye on the SQL Server end of support dates.

Running an SQL Server Database?

Whether you’re on SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2019, or anything in between – it’s prudent to keep an eye on the SQL Server end of support dates.

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Oracle Database Extended Support Deadlines
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SQL Server End of Support

Mainstream End of Support Date

SQL Server mainstream support typically covers the first five years from the date of initial release.

Updates include new features, performance, security, and quality of life additions.

Extended End of Support Date

SQL Server extended support delivers critical security patches for a limited time and, if you're running on an Azure VM, it's free.

For on-premises or hosted environments, extended support is available on a three-year agreement.

Be mindful that extended support does not include new features, functional improvements, or customer-requested fixes.

Why Does The Extended Support Deadline Matter?

If running an SQL Server estate, it’s essential to keep an eye on both the mainstream and extended support deadlines.

For a start, running any end of life software after support has ended poses grave security risks. Without security patch updates from Microsoft, there is an increased risk of a cyber attack or data loss.

Secondly, system performance will be impacted. Incremental updates provide stability for your database, so once these end, a database’s performance will begin to spiral downwards – sometimes rapidly. This affects BAU (business as usual) and puts organisations at increased risk of downtime.

Finally, it also means missing out on improvements and quality of life features available in newer versions of SQL Server

To bolster security, guarantee strong performance, and benefit from quality of life updates, it’s always best to migrate to the latest version of SQL Server. This is why keeping an eye on extended support deadlines is highly recommended.

SQL Server End of Life Dates

SQL Server Product Mainstream Support End Date Extended Support End Date
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Apr 12, 2011
Apr 12, 2016
Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Jul 8, 2014
Jul 9, 2019
Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5
Apr 9, 2013
Apr 10, 2018
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Jul 8, 2014
Jul 9, 2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse
Jul 8, 2014
Jul 9, 2019
Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0
Jul 12, 2016
Jul 13, 2021
Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Jul 11, 2017
Jul 12, 2022
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Parallel Data Warehouse (Analytics Platform System)
Oct 8, 2019
Mar 31, 2026
SQL Server 2014
Jul 9, 2019
Jul 9, 2024
SQL Server 2016
Jul 13, 2021
Jul 14, 2026
SQL Server 2017
Oct 11, 2022
Oct 12, 2027
SQL Server 2019
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 8, 2030
SQL Server Management Studio
Continued support in line with Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy
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What are my Options If Extended Support has Already Expired?

Once Extended Support ends, your estate will receive no further updates.

This raises a handful of problem. Firstly, your performance will deteriorate over time. Secondly, you’ll no longer benefit from important quality of life features. And finally, any cyber security exploits will no longer be patched by Microsoft – putting you at potential risk of a data breach. 

The recommended option is upgrade to a more current version of SQL Server. This way, you’ll benefit from years of performance and security improvements, whilst benefiting from new features.

Independent Database Support, Delivered By Experts

Xynomix (zai-nom-icks) is one of the UK’s most experienced, independent providers of database support, managed services and strategic consultancy.

As a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner, our technical consultants are certified in all things SQL Server, making Xynomix one of the most qualified to help you identify your next steps.

Contact us if you’re approaching the end of extended support for your implementation of SQL Server, or have any additional questions.

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