Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 is actively supported. It reaches end of life on 12 Jan 2027.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Microsoft Windows Server Core release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 15 Oct 2016 | — |
| End of life (scheduled) | 12 Jan 2027 | in 156 days |
| Active support ended | 11 Jan 2022 | security fixes only after this |
| Latest release | 10.0.14393 | current |
How much runway a newer branch buys
Moving to Microsoft Windows Server Core 2025 extends security support by about 2,828 days.
| Branch | End of life | Days left | vs 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows Server Core 2025 | 10 Oct 2034 | 2,984 | +2,828 days |
| Microsoft Windows Server Core 2022 | 14 Oct 2031 | 1,892 | +1,736 days |
| Microsoft Windows Server Core 2019 | 9 Jan 2029 | 884 | +728 days |
| Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 | 12 Jan 2027 | 156 | this branch |
Frequently asked questions
When does Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 reach end of life?
Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 reaches end of life on 12 Jan 2027 — 156 days from now. After that date it receives no security fixes.
Is Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 still supported?
Yes. Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 is currently maintained. Latest release: 10.0.14393.
What happens when Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016 reaches end of life?
Security fixes stop. After 12 Jan 2027 this branch receives no further updates under standard support.
How long do I have to upgrade from Microsoft Windows Server Core 2016?
156 days. Moving to Microsoft Windows Server Core 2025 instead buys roughly 2,828 more days of security support.