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