SharePoint Server end of support: Why migrating to the cloud is the smart choice

For decades, SharePoint Server has been a cornerstone of collaboration, document management and business workflow for organizations of all sizes — particularly those committed to the Microsoft ecosystem.

But soon this on-premises platform will reach end of support. With less than a year to the July 2026 deadline, business leaders and IT teams need to decide and plan for what’s next.

Migrating to SharePoint Online, part of the robust Microsoft 365 suite, is the best option for continuity and the ability to innovate securely.

Let’s explore the implications of end of support, the risks of maintaining legacy systems and the advantages of moving to SharePoint Online. 

• ALSO READ → SharePoint Server’s sunset marks the dawn of a smarter, cloud-based era

What does end of support mean for SharePoint Server? 

SharePoint Server is on a fixed lifecycle policy for end of support, which means it has a defined timeline for mainstream and extended support. For SharePoint Server versions 2016 and 2019, that support ends on 14 July 2026 — that means no more feature updates, bug fixes or security patches. You also won’t have access to technical support, documentation or community forums.

Here’s what happens once a product reaches end of support:

• Security vulnerabilities discovered after the end date won’t be addressed, leaving your systems exposed to potential threats. 
• Technical support from Microsoft ceases, so troubleshooting becomes more complex and costly. 
• Compliance risks rise, as unsupported software can cause regulatory complications — especially regarding data protection. 
• Integration with newer Microsoft technologies becomes more difficult, limiting your organization’s scope to innovate. 

If you’re relying on SharePoint Server for critical business functions, these risks can quickly compound, affecting not only your IT department but also every user who depends on SharePoint. 

Why staying on-premises is no longer strategic 

The arguments for keeping SharePoint Server on-premises — customization, control and data sovereignty — are increasingly overshadowed by the challenges of maintaining legacy infrastructure:

• Rising costs: On-premises solutions require ongoing investment in hardware, software maintenance, energy and skilled personnel. As support ends, third-party maintenance and emergency fixes can cause costs to spike. 
• Security concerns: Without security updates, on-premises servers become attractive targets for cybercrime. You’ll need costly workarounds to mitigate vulnerabilities, and these are rarely as effective as official patches. 
• Compliance pressure: Regulators expect organizations to use supported software, especially for systems that process sensitive information. Unsupported SharePoint Server deployments can put your organization at risk of fines or reputational damage. 
• Limited innovation: Legacy servers don’t benefit from the frequent enhancements and integrations available with SharePoint Online, such as AI-powered search, Microsoft Teams integration and advanced analytics. 

The result is a growing gap between what on-premises SharePoint can deliver and what users have come to expect. 

SharePoint Online: The best option for Microsoft-centric organizations

Migrating to SharePoint Online unlocks a host of new capabilities that support digital transformation and growth. 

1. Better collaboration through seamless integration across Microsoft 365 

SharePoint Online is deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, which includes Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, Power Automate and more.

Your users will benefit from once source of authentication and identity management via Azure Active Directory, and easier file sharing and co-authoring with OneDrive and Office applications. Teams and Yammer, which connect people and information in real time, enable collaboration at scale. 

These integrations simplify workflows and make collaboration far more effective than traditional on-premises deployments. 

2. Improved security and compliance, built in 

With SharePoint Online, Microsoft takes care of the tricky parts of security and compliance so you don’t have to.

The platform automatically handles updates and patching, which means fewer gaps that may put your data at risk. It also comes with advanced threat protection, data-loss prevention and built-in encryption to keep information secure.

It’s certified for major standards such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, so you don’t need to stress as much about meeting regulatory requirements. Features like audit logs, eDiscovery and retention policies further support governance needs.

Best of all, these protections are built right in and kept up to date, giving you the reassurance that your data is both safe and compliant.

3. Resources that scale with your business — and your budget 

Moving to the cloud changes the way you think about, and budget for, IT resources.

If you need more resources, you can scale up in an instant — and just as easily scale down when things quiet down. This frees up your IT team to spend less time tinkering with servers and more time driving strategic projects.

And instead of worrying about expensive hardware refreshes or unexpected maintenance bills, you get predictable subscription pricing that can grow or shrink with your needs.

The result is a smarter way to manage costs, greater agility and the ability to use resources where they make the biggest impact.

4. Continuous innovation enabled by new features

SharePoint Online is always getting better, with new features and improvements rolling out automatically.

AI-driven insights and smarter search make it easier to find exactly what you need, while responsive site templates give you sleek intranets, portals and collaboration spaces without the hassle.

It also connects seamlessly with Power Platform, so you can build applications, set up workflows and create dashboards without writing a single line of code. Rather than waiting years for a big upgrade, you get a steady stream of improvements that keep your workspace fresh and up to date.

5. Streamlined migration and support 

Microsoft makes the move from SharePoint Server to SharePoint Online a lot smoother by offering plenty of guidance and helpful tools.

You can use the SharePoint Migration Tool or trusted third-party solutions to transfer your sites, content and metadata. There’s also a wealth of documentation and best practices, and a global network of partners ready to support you along the way. If you hit a snag, dedicated support channels are there to help with troubleshooting and optimization.

While migration does take some planning and careful execution, the long-term benefits in stability, security and performance make it well worth the effort.

Key considerations for your SharePoint Server migration

Successful migration starts with a clear strategy. You should: 

• Assess your current SharePoint environment: Compile a record of sites, workflows, customizations and user requirements. 
• Define business objectives: Align your migration plans with your broader digital transformation goals. 
• Engage stakeholders: Communicate changes early and involve users in the transition to ensure adoption. 
• Leverage Microsoft resources: Use available tools, documentation and support to guide the migration process. 
• Plan for training: Help users make the most of the latest SharePoint features. 

A well-planned migration minimizes disruption and positions your organization for success. 

See SharePoint Online as a business opportunity 

The end of support for SharePoint Server is a strategic opportunity. By making the move to SharePoint Online, you can mitigate risks, reduce costs and unlock a platform that evolves with your needs. 

For IT leaders, business managers and users, SharePoint Online means a smarter, more secure and more collaborative way of working. Begin your migration journey today and position your organization to thrive in the era of cloud-powered collaboration.