SQL Server

SQL Server 2016 Migration

SQL Server 2016 extended support ended in July 2026. Instances left on that version are no longer receiving security fixes from Microsoft.

What companies should do now

Leaving 2016 in production is a risk decision, not a savings. The practical path is a supported release the application can run on, usually SQL Server 2019 or 2022, after a compatibility test. SQL Server 2025 is an option only when the application and the tools around it are ready. We do not pick the newest version by default.

If the business also wants to leave the current server, that is a cloud migration question as well as a version question. The cutover method is on database migration services.

The decision to make

Which applications still require 2016
2019, 2022, or a later version, and why
Stay on the current host or move the instance
How long the data copy takes versus the outage you can take
What you will do if the application misbehaves after the upgrade

Need help with SQL Server?

Schedule a Consultation Request SQL Server Health Assessment

If you are still on SQL Server 2016

Tell us the applications on that instance and whether a vendor has to certify the new version. We will outline a supported target.

Contact AVRIN or call 562.445.5872