What’s Actually Happening?
Microsoft is ending support for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 on July 14, 2026. Your servers won’t suddenly go dark — but after that date, Microsoft will stop issuing security patches, bug fixes, and technical support. The software keeps running. It just stops being protected.
And in today’s threat landscape, an unpatched server isn’t a minor inconvenience — it’s an open invitation.
The Key Dates You Need to Know
April 2, 2026 — SharePoint Add-Ins and Azure ACS authentication retire. Any custom apps relying on these will stop working in SharePoint Online.
July 14, 2026 — SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 reach full end of support. No more security updates, patches, or Microsoft technical support.
SharePoint 2013 — End of support already effective since 2023. If you’re still running this, the risk exposure is critical.
December 31, 2026 — Office Online Server also retires, removing another key on-premises dependency.
Why This Is a Leadership Issue, Not Just an IT Issue
Most organisations still on SharePoint on-premises didn’t make a conscious decision to stay there — they simply never made a decision to leave. There was always something more urgent, a budget cycle that didn’t favour migration, or a belief that “it still works, so why change it?”
That logic runs out in 2026.
The moment Microsoft stops issuing security patches, your organisation inherits full responsibility for every vulnerability that exists — and every new one that’s discovered. Threat actors actively target legacy SharePoint environments, and active exploits in 2025 already highlighted serious weaknesses in unpatched on-premises deployments.
Your Options Going Forward
Option 1 — Migrate to SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365)
The recommended path for most organisations. Continuous updates, built-in security, seamless Teams and OneDrive integration, no infrastructure to maintain. Microsoft provides the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) to assist.
Option 2 — Upgrade to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition
The only remaining supported on-premises version. A viable route if regulatory requirements or operational constraints make cloud migration impossible — but ongoing security responsibility remains with you.
Option 3 — Do Nothing
Your servers will keep running after July 14, 2026. But you will be entirely on your own — no patches, no support, no safety net. For most organisations, this is not a risk worth accepting.
The Bottom Line
July 14, 2026 is a hard date after which Microsoft will stop protecting your on-premises SharePoint environment.
If you’re still running SharePoint Server 2016 or 2019, the question isn’t whether to act — it’s whether you act on your own terms, or under pressure.
Start with an audit of your current environment. Identify your workflows, Add-Ins, and integrations. Build a roadmap. The organisations that started this process already are ahead. The ones that wait until mid-2026 will be rushing — and paying a premium for it.
The deadline is set. The risks are real. Don’t wait until you’re rushing. Get in touch today and let’s build your migration roadmap before the clock runs out.
