Microsoft End of Support 2023
Microsoft End of Support 2023
Each year Microsoft launch new, innovative products as well as releasing improvements to existing products. And, as new products are released, older products and services are retired or placed into end of support.
Here you will find all the information and links that you need to fully understand ‘Microsoft’s Lifecycle Policy’ and what this means.
We have summarised: what each support status means, why Microsoft do this, the products & services that will be affected in 2023, how this may impact you and what your options are.
If you need further information, please contact the GCC Team.
What are the different support statuses?
We will explain the differences between Microsoft’s statuses (per Microsoft’s software lifecycle policy):
- Extended Support
Is the phase following mainstream support, with limited support only, covering security updates and the ability to request non-security fixes for selected products.
- End of Support
Is the end of Extended Support – when support and servicing will no longer be available.
- End of Service
When a specific version, feature update, or servicing channel of a product will no longer receive quality or security updates, it has reached the end of servicing.
- Product Retirement
A product retirement is the end of availability and support.
Why do Microsoft do this?
It is a standard practice for technology companies to withdraw support for older versions of products and services.
Microsoft invest in research and development to improve their products and services – doing so in line with customer feedback and new technologies.
Key Products affected in 2023
The key products that will be affected in 2023 are as follows:
- Server 2012
- SQL 2012
- Windows 10 Pro 21H2
- Office Suite 2019
GCC would like to bring particular attention to these specific products as they are essential for operating your back-office system. If you have any of the above systems, with no plan in place we strongly recommend taking action now to prevent any service or support issues.
All Microsoft Products & Services affected in 2023
See below for a comprehensive list off all the Microsoft products and services that are retiring, reaching end of service, end of support or moving into extended support.
If you need further information, please contact the GCC Team.
Product Retirements
| Visio Services in SharePoint (in Microsoft 365) | February 10, 2023 | |||||||
| Microsoft Store for Business and Education | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Kaizala | August 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine (classic) Scheduler for Microsoft 365 | September 1, 2023 |
End of Service
End of Support
Products moving to Extended Support
Are you using a product listed above? If you are, talk to us today…
What does this mean?
Products that have reached their ‘Extended Support End Date’ will no longer receive patches, security updates, or support from Microsoft.
If you choose to continue using any of the products or services listed above without taking any action, your organisation may become more susceptible to security threats. These vulnerabilities will only become more pronounced with time, so it is crucial that you take action.
For the products and services transitioning to “Extended Support,” you will have access to free security updates and the option to pay for non-security updates and support. This is considered a last-resort solution for products or services that have surpassed their end-of-support date.
Therefore, it is not advisable to persist with their use unless you have a compelling reason, such as being constrained by specific applications or infrastructure that necessitate this version.
How does this impact you?
What are your options?
UPRGRADE TO THE LATEST SOFTWARE
When your software goes beyond its support lifecycle, we strongly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version.
This step makes sure your software has access to security updates and Microsoft’s support services.
The upgrade process may involve acquiring licenses, migrating, and conducting compatibility tests with your current systems.
MIGRATE TO THE CLOUD
Rather than opting for an upgrade to an on-premise software version, explore the advantages of moving to a cloud-based solution.
GCC can assist you in evaluating your current IT infrastructure and business needs, and identify the most fitting cloud solution.
DO NOTHING
While your software will continue to function after the end-of-support date, it’s essential that you are aware that your systems and applications will become progressively susceptible to cyber threats.
Your system will be left without official support, and Microsoft won’t be available to assist.
By proactively taking steps, you can make sure your organisation is not impacted by any Microsoft products or services that are moving outside of mainstream support.
When Microsoft’s products or services move out of mainstream support, we recommend you upgrade your systems and plan ahead.
Contact the GCC Team, if you would like to discuss your needs in more detail.
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