End of Support for Windows Server and SQL Server
Explore your options for Windows Server and SQL Server end of support and how to stay protected and compliant with Microsoft.
Preview Microsoft SQL Server 2025: an enterprise AI-ready database from ground to cloud.
Why modernize with Microsoft
While the latest releases of Windows Server and SQL Server bring more innovations, support to older versions along with security updates eventually ends. Fortunately, you can stay secure and modernize your IT estate with Microsoft on your terms.
Migrate and innovate
Get access to unparalleled innovation for SQL Server and Windows Server workloads on Azure, including Azure SQL Managed Instance, a fully managed PaaS service for SQL Server databases. You can also upgrade to SQL Server 2022 or Windows Server 2025.
Extend security updates
Stay covered with three additional years of Extended Security Updates. Extended Security Updates are free of charge only in Azure or can be purchased and seamlessly deployed on-premises through Azure Arc.
Maintain technical support
Use existing Microsoft support agreements, such as Software Assurance, Unified Support, or Premier Support to get technical support for SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 with Extended Security Updates.
Get assistance
Microsoft has unique resources to help you migrate and modernize with confidence. Azure Migration and Modernization Program provides expert help with assistance from Microsoft and qualified partners. Microsoft also has free tools to help you start faster, including Azure Migrate for discovery, assessment, and migration.
Migration and Modernization Options
Learn about your options and how to save on continued support for your SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 workloads.
Move to Azure
Get free Extended Security Updates for three years after end of support in Azure, which includes destinations such as Azure Stack HCI and Azure VMware Solution to migrate on your own terms. Combine this with Azure Hybrid Benefit to save big on Azure by using existing on-premises SQL Server and Windows Server licenses.
Upgrade on-premises
There are 2 options to upgrade on premises: Get the advantages of Azure innovation such as evergreen SQL, governance, and security without moving with Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance or get increased performance and security by upgrading to Windows Server 2025 or SQL Server 2022.
Delay your move
If you have Software Assurance or subscription licenses you can buy Extended Security Updates to get three more years of security updates. Take advantage of Azure benefits and billing when you purchase and seamlessly deploy Extended Security Updates on-premises through Azure Arc. Reach out to your Microsoft Seller for more information.
Begin today
Azure Migrate
Ready to start now? Discover, assess, and migrate your on-premises datacenter.
Azure Migration and Modernization Program
Get the right mix of expert help you need to set up your cloud environment and move forward with confidence.
Learn from customers who have upgraded and modernized successfully
Atrium Underwriters
While the financial services industry traditionally takes a conservative approach to new technology, London-based Atrium Underwriters considers it to be a key driver of its current success. Learn how Microsoft SQL Server helps enable that through its many cutting-edge features.
Royal Bank of Canada
Learn how Royal Bank of Canada speeds innovation on-premises with DBaaS based on Azure Arc-enabled data services.
University of Miami
Read about how the University of Miami used the Azure Hybrid Benefit and Azure VMware Solution.
Explore Resources
Azure Migration & Modernization Center
Resources including tools and guidance to help you move, manage, and secure all your workloads.
Azure Free Account
Try Windows Server and SQL Server in the cloud with an Azure free account.
End of Support Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your Windows Server and SQL Server end of support questions.
Data Exposed: Migrate SQL Server to Azure
Join Bob Ward and Anna Hoffman for tips and tricks to migrate to Azure SQL.
Ultimate Guide to Windows Server 2025
Learn what’s new in the latest version of Windows Server.
SQL Server on Azure
Migrate your SQL workloads to Azure and modernize your systems with hybrid flexibility.
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