Microsoft has confirmed that support for SharePoint 2016 and 2019 will end on 14 July 2026.
After this date, there will be no security updates, no bug fixes, and no support services.
For organisations still relying on these platforms, this is more than a technical milestone –
it’s a business risk that needs immediate attention.
What end of support really means
Once support ends, your environment becomes increasingly vulnerable:
No security patches
New threats remain permanently unaddressed
No Microsoft support
No escalation if issues occur
Compliance exposure
Unsupported systems can breach regulatory and industry standards
This creates risk across security, operations, and governance.
The risks of doing nothing
1. Increased cyber risk
Without updates, every new vulnerability becomes a potential entry point for attackers.
2. Compliance and audit pressure
Unsupported software can trigger audit findings and potential penalties.
3. Rising insurance costs
Organisations running unsupported systems may face higher premiums or loss of coverage.
4. Business disruption
Leaving migration too late often results in rushed projects, downtime and avoidable costs.
Why organisations should start planning now
A common misconception is that there is still plenty of time to migrate. In reality:
- SharePoint migrations can take 6 to 18 months
- Complex environments require assessment, testing and staged delivery
- Business-critical applications need careful handling to avoid disruption
Starting early allows for a controlled, low-risk transition.
The benefits of moving to Microsoft 365
Migrating to SharePoint Online delivers more than just compliance:
- Security and patching managed by Microsoft
- Built-in compliance and governance frameworks
- Scalable, always up-to-date platform
- Reduced infrastructure management overhead
It also positions organisations to take advantage of broader Microsoft 365 capabilities.
How Platinum Technology can help
Platinum Technology supports mid-enterprise organisations with end-to-end migration services, including:
- Environment assessment and planning
- Migration strategy and roadmap
- Tooling and execution
- Testing and validation
- Post-migration optimisation
We focus on minimising risk, reducing disruption and delivering predictable outcomes.
Who should be taking action now
This is especially relevant for:
- Organisations running SharePoint 2016 or 2019
- IT managers and Microsoft 365 administrators
- Project managers responsible for transformation initiatives
- Businesses consolidating systems after mergers or acquisitions
Start the conversation early
With the July 2026 deadline approaching, organisations that haven’t begun planning are already under time pressure.
Starting now gives you the flexibility to migrate on your terms – not under urgency.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Platinum Technology can help you assess your current environment and define a clear pathway forward.
