Microsoft Project Server 2016 and 2019 EOL and Migration Options

• 09 June 2026
• Project Server
• Written by Editorial Team

For many organizations, Microsoft Project Server has served as a central platform for project portfolio management (PPM), helping teams plan, execute, and monitor projects across the enterprise. As an on-premises solution, it provides visibility into project schedules, resources, budgets, and workloads while supporting collaboration between project managers, stakeholders, and leadership teams.

Project Server 2016 and 2019 Are Reaching End of Support

Like all Microsoft products, Project Server follows a defined support lifecycle. Once a product reaches the end of extended support, Microsoft no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance.

Both Project Server 2016 and Project Server 2019 are scheduled to reach the end of extended support on July 14, 2026. After this date, organizations that continue running either version will be responsible for managing security, reliability, and compatibility risks without Microsoft support.

Project Server 2016 and 2019 End of Support Dates

Product	Mainstream Support Ended	Extended Support Ends
Project Server 2016	Jul 13, 2021	July 14, 2026
Project Server 2019	Jan 9, 2024	July 14, 2026

The end of extended support marks the final stage of Microsoft’s support lifecycle for these products. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer release updates or provide assistance for issues affecting Project Server 2016 and Project Server 2019 environments.

Organizations running Project Server 2016 or Project Server 2019 after July 14, 2026, should understand that:

• Security updates will no longer be released.
• Product defects and software issues will not receive fixes.
• Microsoft technical support will no longer be available.
• Future product improvements and enhancements will not be delivered.

While the software may continue to function, it will operate without the protections and support typically provided during the supported lifecycle.

Risks of Running Project Server Post-EOL

• Security and Cybersecurity Risks

  Unsupported software creates a larger security exposure because newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched. As threat actors continue to target aging systems, organizations may face increased risk from ransomware, malware, unauthorized access attempts, and other cyber threats.

• Compliance and Regulatory Challenges

  Many organizations operate under internal governance policies or industry regulations that require supported software platforms. Running unsupported project management systems can create compliance concerns during audits and increase scrutiny around security and data management practices.

• Compatibility Problems

  Technology environments continue to evolve long after software support ends. Organizations may encounter challenges integrating unsupported Project Server deployments with newer Windows Server releases, browser technologies, Microsoft 365 services, and other modern business applications.

• Higher Operational Costs

  Older platforms often require greater administrative effort to maintain. Internal teams may spend more time troubleshooting issues, supporting aging infrastructure, and implementing workarounds that would otherwise be addressed through vendor updates.

• Loss of Vendor Support

  When critical issues occur, organizations running unsupported software cannot rely on Microsoft for troubleshooting assistance or future fixes. This can increase recovery times and operational risk during outages or service disruptions.

Migration Options for Project Server 2016 and 2019

Organizations currently running Project Server 2016 or Project Server 2019 should begin evaluating their long-term strategy before support ends on July 14, 2026. In most cases, there are two primary paths forward: upgrading to Project Server Subscription Edition (SE) for continued on-premises deployment or transitioning to Microsoft’s cloud-based project management platform.

The right option depends on factors such as compliance requirements, infrastructure investments, operational preferences, and future business objectives.

Option 1: Upgrade to Project Server Subscription Edition (SE)

Project Server Subscription Edition (SE) is Microsoft’s current on-premises successor to earlier Project Server releases. Unlike traditional versions that followed fixed support lifecycles, Project Server SE uses a subscription-based servicing model that delivers ongoing updates and improvements.

This approach allows organizations to remain on-premises while benefiting from a platform that continues to receive security updates and product support. For organizations with regulatory obligations, data residency requirements, or significant investments in on-premises infrastructure, Project Server SE offers a practical modernization path while maintaining greater control over the environment.

Key Features Project Server SE

Project Server SE continues to support the core capabilities that organizations rely on for enterprise project portfolio management, including:

• Portfolio planning and prioritization
• Resource management and capacity planning
• Timesheet management
• Project reporting and dashboards
• Workflow automation
• Custom fields and enterprise project templates

This continuity helps reduce disruption during migration and minimizes the need for extensive process changes.

Supported Project Server to Project Server SE Upgrade Paths

Organizations running Project Server 2016 or Project Server 2019 can upgrade directly to Project Server SE through Microsoft’s supported upgrade path.

Organizations running earlier versions of Project Server must first upgrade to either Project Server 2016 or Project Server 2019 before completing the final upgrade to Project Server SE.

Option 2: Move to Microsoft’s Cloud Project Management Platform

Microsoft’s long-term strategic direction for project management is centered on cloud services within Microsoft 365. Project for the web and Microsoft Planner provide modern project and work management capabilities that support collaboration across distributed teams.

These platforms continue to evolve as Microsoft expands planning, task management, reporting, and collaboration capabilities throughout the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Benefits of Migrating Project Server 2016/2019 to Microsoft Planner

• Reduced server administration requirements
• Automatic platform updates
• Access from virtually any location
• Improved scalability
• Faster deployment of new features
• Integration with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, Power BI, and Power Automate

Cloud adoption can also simplify future technology planning by reducing dependency on local infrastructure upgrades. At the same time, these Microsoft 365 integrations help improve collaboration, reporting, workflow automation, and information sharing across departments.

Project Server SE Licensing and Deployment Considerations

Project Server SE uses a subscription-based licensing approach rather than the traditional perpetual licensing model used by earlier Project Server versions. Organizations should evaluate user licensing, server licensing, and Client Access License (CAL) requirements when planning a migration. Licensing requirements may vary based on deployment architecture and organizational needs.

As a Microsoft partner, Apps4Rent can assist organizations with obtaining the appropriate Project Server SE licenses, navigating licensing requirements, and planning a deployment strategy that aligns with their business and technical needs. In addition to licensing and deployment assistance, Apps4Rent also offers Project Server SE hosting services for organizations that want a managed hosting environment without the overhead of maintaining the underlying infrastructure themselves.

What the 3-Year Commitment Means

Project Server SE licensing includes a 3-year commitment structure designed to support long-term planning and predictable budgeting. Organizations should review licensing terms carefully to understand renewal requirements, support entitlements, and long-term cost considerations before committing to a migration strategy. Working with an experienced Microsoft partner such as Apps4Rent can help simplify the licensing process, ensure compliance with Microsoft requirements, and streamline both deployment and hosting decisions.

Recommended Project Server 2016 and 2019 Migration Roadmap

Step 1: Assess Current Environment

Document infrastructure, integrations, customizations, workflows, and business requirements.

Step 2: Define Future-State Requirements

Determine whether an on-premises or cloud-based approach best aligns with organizational goals.

Step 3: Select Your Migration Path

Choose between Project Server SE or Microsoft’s cloud project management platform based on business, technical, and compliance requirements.

Step 4: Validate Customizations and Integrations

Review compatibility and identify any required remediation work before migration begins.

Step 5: Perform Testing and Pilot Deployment

Validate functionality, user experience, and data accuracy in a controlled environment.

Step 6: Execute Production Migration

Implement the migration according to a structured deployment plan with clearly defined rollback procedures.

Project Server 2016 and 2019 EOL: Next Steps

Project Server 2016 and Project Server 2019 will both reach the end of extended support on July 14, 2026. Organizations that continue operating these platforms after that date will face increasing security, compliance, and operational risks.

Organizations should begin evaluating their next steps well before the support deadline. This may involve upgrading to Project Server Subscription Edition to retain enterprise project portfolio management capabilities or moving to Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions, such as Project for the web and Planner. Early planning can help minimize disruption, reduce risk, and ensure business continuity.

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Apps4Rent can help organizations assess their current Project Server environment, evaluate the most suitable migration path, and execute a smooth transition from Project Server 2016 or Project Server 2019 to the destination that best aligns with their business, technical, and compliance requirements. With expertise across both on-premises and Microsoft 365 environments, Apps4Rent can support every stage of the migration journey, from planning and licensing guidance to implementation, testing, and user adoption.