Many organizations rely on Microsoft SharePoint to manage documents, foster collaboration, and maintain centralized repositories of enterprise information. But like all software, SharePoint has a lifecycle — and understanding what End of Life (EOL) means for different SharePoint versions is crucial for maintaining security, compliance, and uninterrupted business operations.
TL;DR: Microsoft ends mainstream and extended support for SharePoint versions on a scheduled timeline. Once a version reaches EOL, it no longer receives security updates or technical support. This can have serious consequences ranging from compliance risks to increased vulnerability to cyberattacks. Organizations are urged to plan migrations early to avoid disruptions and maintain a secure infrastructure.
What Does End of Life Mean for SharePoint?
When Microsoft declares a version of SharePoint as reaching End of Life, it means that they will no longer provide:
- Security updates or hotfixes
- Technical support and bug fixes
- New features or improvements
SharePoint is provided either as an on-premises product (e.g., SharePoint 2013, 2016, 2019) or as part of SharePoint Online within Microsoft 365. While SharePoint Online is consistently updated as part of the service, the on-premises versions follow Microsoft’s fixed lifecycle policy. This makes it imperative for IT departments to track lifecycle deadlines.
SharePoint Versions and Their End-of-Life Dates
Here’s a breakdown of the most widely used SharePoint versions and their respective support periods:
| Version | Mainstream Support End | Extended Support End (EOL) |
|---|---|---|
| SharePoint 2010 | October 13, 2015 | April 13, 2021 |
| SharePoint 2013 | April 10, 2018 | April 11, 2023 |
| SharePoint 2016 | July 13, 2021 | July 14, 2026 |
| SharePoint 2019 | January 9, 2024 | July 14, 2026 |
Note: Microsoft recently announced that SharePoint Server Subscription Edition will follow a modern lifecycle policy, differing from the fixed schedule applied to earlier versions, offering more agility and ongoing updates for those with Software Assurance.
Impact of SharePoint End of Life
Ignoring the EOL of a SharePoint version can have serious repercussions. Here’s what organizations risk by continuing to use an unsupported version:
1. Security Vulnerabilities
After the EOL date, Microsoft stops releasing security updates. This means any vulnerabilities discovered post-EOL will not be patched, exposing your infrastructure to malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access.
2. Compliance and Regulatory Issues
Many industries (like healthcare, finance, and government) have strict data compliance mandates. Using unsupported software can breach regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX, potentially resulting in fines or legal penalties.
3. Lack of Support
Your IT teams lose access to Microsoft support channels, both for bugs and routine troubleshooting. If you encounter a major issue post-EOL, you’re on your own or must rely on costly third-party support services.
4. Compatibility Problems
Newer versions of Windows Server, Office, and web browsers may not be compatible with older SharePoint versions. This leads to reduced functionality, performance problems, or complete failure to operate key features.
How to Prepare for SharePoint EOL
About two years before a SharePoint version hits its EOL, organizations should begin planning for its transition. A well-executed migration strategy can prevent data loss, reduce downtime, and strengthen security.
Key Steps for EOL Readiness:
- Inventory Your Systems – Identify all SharePoint instances and related integrations running on the soon-to-expire version.
- Evaluate Your Options – Decide whether to migrate to SharePoint Online, upgrade to a newer on-premises version, or transition to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition.
- Back Up Your Data – Ensure robust backups exist before initiating any migration or decommissioning processes.
- Develop a Migration Plan – Document customizations, user permissions, page templates and workflows to support smooth transition to the new environment.
- Train Your Users – Educate employees on new interfaces or features they’ll encounter post-migration to facilitate adoption.
Migration to SharePoint Online vs. On-Premises Upgrade
If you’re at a crossroads between cloud or staying on-premises, understanding the trade-offs is vital:
- SharePoint Online: Offers automatic updates, scalability, seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps, and less infrastructure overhead.
- On-Premises Upgrade (e.g., SharePoint 2016 or newer): Provides greater legacy system control, more customization flexibility, and compliance with strict data residency needs.
The choice often hinges on organizational size, industry compliance needs, and budget constraints.
Real-World Example: The Fallout After SharePoint 2010 EOL
When SharePoint 2010 reached its EOL in April 2021, some companies continued using it due to the complexity of their infrastructure or budget limitations. Within six months, cybersecurity experts observed a spike in attacks targeting known SharePoint 2010 vulnerabilities, including a critical remote code execution flaw that had never been patched on systems past support.
This revealed the danger in delaying migrations. Several small enterprises experienced data loss, and at least one critical public-service provider had to shut down services temporarily to deal with exploits. The cost of incident response far outweighed the expense of a timely upgrade.
What if You Missed the Migration Window?
If your organization is still running an unsupported version of SharePoint, it is not too late to act — but urgency is required. Here are your short-term mitigation options:
- Isolate the System: Remove internet-facing access to prevent external threats.
- Monitor Access Logs: Set up detailed auditing to catch suspicious activity.
- Engage Third-Party Support: Specialized vendors offer extended support for legacy SharePoint, although this option is often costly and limited in scope.
- Accelerate Migration Planning: Begin the transition immediately using expert consultation to ensure a secure move.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SharePoint
With SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, Microsoft is signaling a shift toward continuous delivery models. The classic fixed-lifecycle model is on its way out, replaced with rolling feature updates and evergreen support — only for customers with active Software Assurance. Organizations should prepare to align with this new approach where stability, security, and flexibility converge in the cloud-first world.
Key Takeaway: The cost of staying on an EOL SharePoint version can be far greater than the time and effort required to migrate. Waiting too long places organizations at technological, financial, and regulatory risk.
Final Thoughts
SharePoint EOL is a serious inflection point that should never be ignored. Whether you’re running an older SharePoint 2013 system or evaluating your next move post-2019, proactive planning is key. Begin your migration journey with a full understanding of support timelines and consider working with Microsoft Certified Partners to ensure a smooth, secure transition.
In the ever-evolving landscape of collaboration platforms, staying current isn’t just a best practice — it’s a business imperative.
