SharePoint 2019 End of Life: What Applies Since 14 July 2026

The SharePoint 2019 end of life became reality a few months ago: on 14 July 2026 Microsoft ended support for SharePoint Server 2019. Anyone running the version no longer receives regular security updates. This article shows what applies now and which routes are open, including SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. General advice on dates is in Planning for end of support in Microsoft products.

The dates at a glance

SharePoint Server 2019 was released on 22 October 2018. Mainstream support ended on 09 January 2024, and end of support was on 14 July 2026. The successor, SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SE), has been available since 02 November 2021.

What applies after the end

The farm keeps running, but newly found vulnerabilities are no longer fixed. The more exposed the farm is to the outside, the more urgent the need to act.

Are there Extended Security Updates?

In the Microsoft sources we read there is no ESU program for SharePoint Server 2019. We did not find an explicit denial either. Ask your Microsoft contact before you plan on such an offer. For Exchange the picture is different, as Exchange 2019 end of life shows.

Option 1: keep running it

This is defensible if the farm is isolated, meaning no access from the internet and few known users. You should document the decision. It is not suitable as a permanent solution.

Option 2: SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

The route from SharePoint 2019 to SE goes through attaching the databases (database-attach) to a new SE farm. No other route is provided. All databases must be at version 16.0.4351.1000 or higher, otherwise the upgrade is blocked. SE follows an ongoing lifecycle without a fixed end date.

Important for procurement: SE only runs with active Software Assurance for servers and CALs or with a subscription license. A perpetual license alone is not enough. If Software Assurance lapses or a buyout license is purchased, Microsoft's licensing terms leave a perpetual right to run SharePoint Server 2019 only. SE must then be uninstalled.

Option 3: a used perpetual license

A used, perpetual license does not replace Software Assurance and therefore does not cover the route to SE. It is an option if you deliberately keep using SharePoint 2019 or want to put an existing environment on a clean licensing footing. We point out the end of support to you beforehand.

Access licenses

SharePoint needs access licenses in addition to the server license. The CAL must be at least the version of the server. For SE the Software Assurance condition applies to the CALs as well. The logic is explained in How many Windows Server CALs do I need? SharePoint licensing in detail is described in SharePoint Server licensing.

Four questions before you decide

• At which level are the databases, and do they reach version 16.0.4351.1000?
• Can the farm be reached from outside?
• Do you have active Software Assurance for servers and CALs, or a subscription license?
• How many server licenses and CALs are in use, and in which version?

The database level is the technical prerequisite for SE, Software Assurance or the subscription the licensing one. If either is missing, clarify that first.

Buying used: the legal framework

In its judgment C-128/11 of 03 July 2012 the Court of Justice of the European Union held that the distribution right in a computer program is exhausted once it has been sold with the right holder's consent. This also applies where the software was delivered by download. Whoever resells must make their own copy unusable. The first acquirer may not split up a client-server license that covers more users. How this can be evidenced in practice is described under Is used software legal?

What Lizenzus does for you

We supply used SharePoint Server licenses and CALs with a documented chain of title and tell you the end-of-support date beforehand. Describe your environment in a request and we will work out with you which route fits.

Read more: Buy a SharePoint Server license and SharePoint Server 2019 Standard.