With Windows Server 2019 approaching its End of Life (EOL), many businesses and IT professionals are asking the same critical question: “Can I still get security updates after support ends?” The short answer is: Yes, through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs) program.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about:
- What happens when Windows Server 2019 reaches EOL
- How ESUs work
- Pricing and availability
- Your best options moving forward
What Does End of Life Mean for Windows Server 2019?
Microsoft defines End of Life (EOL) as the date when a product no longer receives:
- Security updates
- Non-security updates
- Free or paid support
- Online technical content updates
Key Dates to Remember:
- Mainstream Support Ended: January 9, 2024
- Extended Support Ends: January 9, 2029
Note: While security updates continue until 2029 under extended support, after that, ESUs will be the only way to stay protected.
What Are Extended Security Updates (ESUs)?
ESUs are a paid Microsoft program that provides critical and important security updates for up to three years after the end of support.
Features of ESUs:
- Available annually for up to three years post-EOL
- Only includes security updates (no bug fixes or feature updates)
- Meant for systems that can’t immediately upgrade
Who Should Consider ESUs?
- Enterprises with legacy apps or hardware
- Organizations undergoing a migration
- Businesses in regulated industries needing compliance
ESU Pricing for Windows Server 2019
Pricing depends on the version and edition of Windows Server you are using. Generally, pricing is tiered annually and increases each year.
Estimated ESU Pricing (per core):
| Year | Estimated Cost (Standard Edition) |
| Year 1 | ~$50 per core |
| Year 2 | ~$100 per core |
| Year 3 | ~$200 per core |
Note: Actual pricing may vary depending on your licensing agreement (e.g., Volume Licensing, CSP).
How to Purchase ESUs for Windows Server 2019
You can obtain ESUs through the following channels:
- Volume Licensing (VL)
- Cloud Solution Provider (CSP)
- Azure Hybrid Benefit (if running in Azure)
Steps to Acquire ESUs:
- Contact a Microsoft-certified partner or reseller
- Determine eligibility and licensing requirements
- Plan for deployment using tools like WSUS or SCCM
Alternatives to Using ESUs
While ESUs are helpful for short-term protection, they are not a long-term solution. Consider these alternatives:
1. Upgrade to a Newer Version
- Windows Server 2022 offers better performance, security, and longer support
2. Migrate to Microsoft Azure
- ESUs are included at no additional cost for workloads migrated to Azure
3. Switch to Subscription Models
- Azure Stack HCI or Windows Server on Azure VMs offer flexibility and up-to-date features
Conclusion
If you’re running Windows Server 2019, now is the time to start planning your next steps. ESUs offer a safety net, but upgrading or migrating to Azure will provide longer-term benefits in performance, security, and compliance.
For more such updates and licensing solutions, visit our website: https://winandofficews.com/
Stay protected. Stay updated. Make the smart move today.
FAQs About Windows Server 2019 EOL and ESUs
Q1: When does Windows Server 2019 officially reach end of support?
A: Extended support ends on January 9, 2029.
Q2: What happens if I don’t purchase ESUs after EOL?
A: You won’t receive any security updates, leaving your systems vulnerable.
Q3: Are ESUs available for all Windows Server editions?
A: Yes, ESUs are generally available for Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials editions.
Q4: Can I buy just one year of ESUs?
A: Yes, ESUs are purchased annually. You can opt out in later years if you upgrade.
Q5: Is there a discount for running Windows Server in Azure?
A: Yes, if you migrate to Azure, ESUs are provided at no additional cost.
Q6: How do I deploy ESUs?
A: Use Microsoft tools like WSUS, SCCM, or Azure Update Management to deploy them.
EN 
DE