As the End of Life (EOL) of Windows Server 2019 approaches, many companies and IT professionals are asking themselves the same crucial question: „Will I continue to receive security updates after the end of support?“ The short answer is yes - via Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about:
- What happens when Windows Server 2019 reaches EOL
- How ESUs work
- Prices and availability
- Your best options for the future
What does End of Life mean for Windows Server 2019?
Microsoft defined End of Life (EOL) as the date from which a product no longer receives subsequent benefits:
- Security updates
- Non-security-related updates
- Free or paid support
- Technical online content
Important dates:
- Mainstream support ended: January 9, 2024
- Extended support ends: January 9, 2029
Note: Security updates are included in extended support until 2029. After that, ESUs are the only way to stay protected.
What are Extended Security Updates (ESUs)?
ESUs are a fee-based Microsoft program that provides important security updates for up to three years after the end of support.
Functions of ESUs:
- Available annually for up to three years after EOL
- Contains only Security updates (no bug fixes or feature updates)
- Intended for systems that cannot be updated immediately
Who should consider ESUs?
- Companies with legacy apps or old hardware
- Organizations in ongoing migration
- Industries with regulatory and compliance requirements
ESU prices for Windows Server 2019
The prices depend on the version and edition. In general, the costs are annually staggered and increase every year.
Estimated ESU prices (per core):
| Year | Estimated costs (Standard Edition) |
| Year 1 | ~50 $ per core |
| Year 2 | ~100 $ per core |
| Year 3 | ~200 $ per core |
Note: The actual prices may vary depending on the license agreement (e.g. volume license, CSP).
How to buy ESUs for Windows Server 2019?
You can purchase ESUs via the following channels:
- Volume licensing (VL)
- Cloud Solution Provider (CSP)
- Azure Hybrid Benefit (for use in Azure)
Steps for acquiring ESUs:
- Contact a Microsoft-certified partner or reseller
- Check authorization and license requirements
- Plan the deployment with tools such as WSUS or SCCM
Alternatives to ESUs
ESUs only offer short-term protection and are not a long-term solution. Consider the following alternatives:
1. upgrade to a newer version
- Windows Server 2022 offers better performance, security and longer support
2. migration to Microsoft Azure
- ESUs are included at no additional cost when migrating workloads to Azure
3. change to subscription models
- Azure Stack HCI or Windows servers on Azure VMs offer flexibility and the latest features
Conclusion
If you are running Windows Server 2019, now is the time to plan your next steps. ESUs are a safety net, but upgrading or migrating to Azure offers long-term benefits in terms of performance, security and compliance.
Further updates and license solutions can be found on our website: https://winandofficews.com/
Stay protected. Stay up to date. Make the smart decision now.
FAQs on Windows Server 2019 EOL and ESUs
Q1: When will support for Windows Server 2019 officially end?
A: The extended support ends on January 9, 2029.
Q2: What happens if I don't buy ESUs after EOL?
A: You no longer receive security updates and expose your systems to risks.
Q3: Are ESUs available for all editions of Windows Server?
A: Yes, ESUs are generally available for Standard, Datacenter and Essentials editions.
Q4: Can I only buy one year of ESUs?
A: Yes, ESUs are purchased annually. You can opt out in later years if you upgrade.
Q5: Are there any discounts for running Windows Server in Azure?
A: Yes, when you migrate to Azure, ESUs are without additional costs included.
Q6: How do I implement ESUs?
A: Use Microsoft tools such as WSUS, SCCM or Azure Update Management for deployment.
