Two dates to put in your diary
After Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, the next wave is on its way: Microsoft is ending support for three products released in 2016. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle pages:
| Product | End of support |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 | 13 October 2026 |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB | 13 October 2026 |
| Windows Server 2016 (all editions) | 12 January 2027 |
Sources: Windows Server 2016 lifecycle, Windows 10 2016 LTSB lifecycle and Microsoft’s post “Plan for Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 2016 LTSB end of support” of 20 February 2026.
On those dates the last regular security update is released. After that there are no more security or bug fixes and no technical support. The systems will keep running – but every newly discovered vulnerability will stay open.
Who is affected?
Windows Server 2016 is still in use at many small and medium-sized businesses, law firms and medical practices: as a domain controller, file and print server, terminal server or as the platform for line-of-business software such as practice or case management. It often runs as a virtual machine on a newer host – which makes it easy to overlook.
Windows 10 LTSB 2016 is rarely found on ordinary desktops. The long-term servicing editions are designed for special-purpose devices whose function should stay the same for years:
- Medical devices such as ultrasound, X-ray workstations, laboratory or diagnostic equipment
- Machine controllers and industrial PCs
- Point-of-sale, kiosk and information systems
These devices tend to sit quietly in the background and work reliably – yet they are often on the same network as your servers and workstations.
The special case of LTSB devices
On special-purpose devices you usually cannot upgrade the operating system yourself. With medical devices, the manufacturer is responsible for the software, and changes to the system are generally made only in agreement with them. The same applies to machinery and POS systems running certified software.
Important: according to Microsoft, Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB are only available through the device manufacturer (IoT OEM). You cannot buy them directly from Microsoft. So ask your manufacturers now:
- Which operating system exactly is running on the device?
- Does the manufacturer offer ESU, and on what terms?
- Is there an upgrade to a newer LTSC release or a successor device?
As successors, Microsoft names Windows 11 (IoT) Enterprise LTSC 2024 where the hardware meets the requirements, otherwise Windows 10 (IoT) Enterprise LTSC 2021.
ESU as a bridge – what it does and doesn’t cover
Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme for all three products – according to the post above, for up to three years.
ESU includes:
- security updates Microsoft rates as “critical” or “important”
- limited help with activating and installing the ESU updates
ESU does not include:
- new features or general bug fixes
- regular technical support
- any compatibility commitment for new software
ESU is cumulative: if you join in year two, Microsoft says you pay for year one as well. At the time of writing, Microsoft had not yet published full details on pricing and purchasing, particularly for Windows Server 2016. So treat ESU as a time-limited bridge, not a permanent solution.
Migration options for Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2025
Microsoft recommends moving to Windows Server 2025. According to its lifecycle page, extended support runs until November 2034 – which gives you peace of mind for many years. Remember to budget for licences (server and client access licences) and, where needed, new hardware.
Virtualisation and cloud
The switch is a good opportunity to rethink your setup. Some roles can be retired altogether: file storage to SharePoint or OneDrive, user management to Microsoft Entra ID, email to Exchange Online. Other servers are best kept on premises but virtualised, so future upgrades are easier. Find out more under Cloud & Microsoft 365.
Application compatibility
The most common stumbling block is line-of-business software. Check early with the vendor whether the application is supported on Windows Server 2025, which database version it requires and whether the software itself needs an update. This is especially true for practice software in Austria that connects to the e-card system and ELGA.
Timeline: plan backwards realistically
Several months can easily pass between the inventory and the switchover – quotes, delivery times, scheduling with software vendors and a test run all take time. For LTSB devices, support already ends in October 2026; for servers there is a little more room until January 2027. If you start in the spring, you can migrate without pressure.
Checklist: what to do now
- Record every server and device running Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10 LTSB 2016 – including virtual machines
- For each system, note its role, applications, dependencies and the person responsible
- Ask manufacturers of medical, POS and control devices about ESU and successor solutions
- Ask software vendors about support for Windows Server 2025
- Decide per system: upgrade, replace with cloud services, replace the device, or use ESU as a bridge
- Budget for licences, hardware and the migration itself
- Isolate systems that have to stay for now on the network and check your backup
How IT United can help
We take stock of your servers and special-purpose devices, liaise with software and device manufacturers and plan the migration so that your day-to-day work continues. Systems that cannot be replaced yet are protected as part of our IT security services through network segmentation and monitoring. For medical practices, we know the particularities of e-card and medical devices – more under Medical practices.
Want to know which systems in your organisation are affected? Book a free initial consultation and we will discuss the next steps together.
