SQL Server 2016 end of life: expert upgrade services

Is your organization still running SQL Server 2016? Extended support ended on 14 July 2026, so your databases are now exposed to security threats, compliance violations, and performance issues.

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Upgrades to SQL Server 2019 and 2022, or migration to Azure SQL.

Extended support ended 14 July 2026

Why upgrade from SQL Server 2016 now

The date has passed. Everything below has been true since then.

Security risks

Microsoft no longer provides security patches for SQL Server 2016, leaving your data exposed to ransomware, breaches, and cyberattacks.

Compliance violations

HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOC 2 audits require supported database platforms. Unsupported SQL Server 2016 puts your compliance status at risk.

Capabilities you do not have

Later SQL Server versions carry security features and query optimization improvements that were introduced after 2016 and will not be backported to it.

Rising costs

Extended Security Updates are expensive and temporary. Upgrading eliminates ongoing ESU fees and reduces long-term database management costs.

Upgrade path options

Four routes, chosen against what is changing alongside the database version.

In-place upgrades

Cost-effective version upgrades on existing infrastructure.

Cloud migration

Modernize to Azure SQL Database or AWS RDS for enhanced scalability.

Platform refresh

Combine the SQL Server upgrade with new hardware or cloud infrastructure.

Hybrid solutions

Optimize a mix of on-premises and cloud databases.

SQL Server 2016 upgrade services from Fortified Data

Our migration methodology sizes the cutover to the window each application can take, whether that is an in-place upgrade or a full infrastructure migration.

Pre-upgrade assessment

Complete compatibility analysis, performance baseline, and risk evaluation.

Custom upgrade strategy

A right-sized approach based on your infrastructure, applications, and business requirements.

Testing and validation

Comprehensive testing in staging environments before production cutover.

24/7 support

Round-the-clock DBA expertise throughout your upgrade project.

Why choose Fortified Data for SQL Server 2016 upgrades

Proven SQL Server migration experience

Upgrade and migration work across SQL Server estates of every size, on premises and in cloud.

Backup and validation

Comprehensive backup and validation processes protect your critical data through the upgrade.

Multi-platform specialists

SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle expertise under one roof.

Industry compliance

HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI DSS compliance specialists.

24/7 DBA support

Round-the-clock database administration and emergency response.

Cloud and on-premises

Expert guidance for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and on-premises environments.

SQL Server 2016 upgrade questions

Can I continue using SQL Server 2016 after 14 July 2026?

Technically yes, but you receive no security patches, bug fixes, or support. This creates significant security and compliance risks.

How long does a SQL Server 2016 upgrade take?

Timelines vary by database size and complexity. Simple upgrades complete in days; complex enterprise migrations may take six to twelve weeks. An assessment provides the timeline for your estate.

What SQL Server version should I upgrade to?

We typically recommend SQL Server 2022 for the longest support runway and the fullest feature set, or SQL Server 2019 for proven stability. We will evaluate your needs during assessment.

Will my applications work after upgrading?

Our pre-upgrade compatibility testing identifies application issues before migration, so problems are found in staging rather than after cutover.

Upgrade from SQL Server 2016 now that support has ended

Extended support ended on 14 July 2026 and your estate is unpatched from that date. Fortified Data delivers SQL Server upgrade services for environments that are already past it.

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