With the rise of targeted cyberattacks on outdated SharePoint environments – including a July 2025 campaign confirmed by Microsoft (MSRC Advisory and Stefan Gossner’s report) – organizations are reminded how critical it is to keep their collaboration platforms up to date and within the official support lifecycle. Once Microsoft ends support, older SharePoint versions stop receiving security patches, leaving businesses vulnerable to active exploits that can compromise data, disrupt operations, and damage customer trust. As the end-of-life deadlines for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 approach, now is the time to plan your migration strategy and stay protected.
Microsoft has announced the SharePoint Server 2016/2019 end of life timelines, signaling a major shift for organizations still running on these platforms. For many businesses, this milestone raises critical questions about data security, compliance, and overall operational efficiency. Understanding what this change means — and preparing for it — is essential to keep collaboration and content management running smoothly.
Why End of Life Matters
When Microsoft ends support for a product, it no longer provides security patches, updates, or bug fixes. While your system may continue to function, the lack of updates exposes your organization to significant risks. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and without regular patches, legacy platforms become vulnerable entry points for malicious attacks.
Additionally, compliance with industry regulations may be compromised. Many industries require systems to be supported and regularly updated. Running on an unsupported SharePoint server could create audit issues and potentially costly fines.
Key Dates to Know
- SharePoint Server 2016: Mainstream support ended in July 2021. Extended support will end in July 2026.
- SharePoint Server 2019: Mainstream support ends in January 2024, with extended support continuing until July 2029.
These deadlines may seem far away, but large migrations can take months or even years to plan and execute properly. Starting early gives you the best chance to transition smoothly and avoid service interruptions.
Migration Options
Businesses have two primary paths forward:
- Upgrade to SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE): This is Microsoft’s latest on-premises version, designed to receive continuous updates. It provides better performance, improved hybrid capabilities, and enhanced security.
- Move to SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365): For many, migrating to the cloud is the most strategic long-term solution. SharePoint Online offers automatic updates, scalability, and integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and OneDrive. It reduces infrastructure costs and allows your IT team to focus on innovation instead of maintenance.
How to Prepare for Migration
A successful migration starts with careful planning:
- Assess Current Environment: Take stock of your existing SharePoint environment. Identify custom workflows, third-party apps, and large data sets that could complicate migration.
- Set Goals: Decide whether you need on-premises control (favoring SE) or cloud flexibility (favoring SharePoint Online).
- Plan for User Adoption: New platforms bring change. Training and communication are vital to ensure employees embrace the transition.
- Work with Experts: Migration projects are complex. Partnering with experienced IT consultants like XferWorx can help minimize downtime, mitigate risks, and ensure a seamless move.
End of Life for SharePoint Server 2016/2019
The end of life for SharePoint 2016 and 2019 is not just an IT issue — it’s a business decision with real implications for security, compliance, and productivity. Acting early allows you to avoid disruption and maintain a secure, efficient environment.This is where XferWorx makes a difference. Our team provides end-to-end migration services, from auditing your current infrastructure to implementing a future-ready solution that fits your business goals. Whether you choose to move to SharePoint Subscription Edition or transition fully to SharePoint Online, we’ll guide you through every step of the process — minimizing downtime, ensuring compliance, and training your team for long-term success. With expertise in cloud services, managed IT support, and ongoing monitoring, XferWorx ensures your organization is not only ready for the EOL shift but positioned to thrive beyond it.
