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SQL Server 2016 Extended Security Updates: Stay Protected While You Modernize

Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Jun 23, 2026
SQL Server 2016 reaches the end of extended support on July 14, 2026. After that date, instances that remain on SQL Server 2016 no longer receive regular security updates unless they are covered thro...
Updated Jun 19, 2026
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nish1406's avatar
nish1406
Copper Contributor
Jun 23, 2026

Hi Venkta,

Thanks for sharing!

What about the SQL instance which is already in Azure VM with SQL 2016. For those as well, will ESU be charged? Also, what will be the price of ESU?

  • Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju's avatar
    Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    Jun 23, 2026

    For SQL Server 2016 running on Azure VMs, ESU coverage now requires a paid ESU subscription. The ESUs for SQL Server 2014 on Azure VMs remains free.  You can find the pricing for ESUs here, Pricing – Azure Arc | Microsoft Azure

    • nish1406's avatar
      nish1406
      Copper Contributor
      Jun 26, 2026

      Hi Venkata_Raj_Pochiraju​ , when i am subscribing to ESU for VM having SQL 2016 running. It is showing me $0 for subscribing for ESU.

      Is the pricing depends on customer to customer?