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End of support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2

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This article discusses the end of support for SQL Server 2008.

Original product version:   SQL Server 2008
Original KB number:   4456242

Summary

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 have approached the end of Extended Support. As of the dates in the table below, there will be no additional:

  • Free security updates on-premises
  • Non-security updates
  • Free support options
  • Online technical content updates

Customers who use these versions of SQL Server products and services should take one of the following steps:

  • Upgrade to the latest version of SQL Server on-premises.
  • Re-host to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance, which eliminates the need for future upgrades.
  • Migrate to Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
    • This virtual machine option takes advantage of three additional years of Critical security updates at no additional charge. And customers can modernize whenever they are ready.

More information

The following table concerns products for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2. The table shows the dates on which each product will reach, or has reached, the end of its support by Microsoft:

Product End dates of
Extended Support
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Enterprise 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Datacenter 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Enterprise 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express with Advanced Services 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition for Small Business 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Web 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Workgroup 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Web 7/9/2019
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Workgroup 7/9/2019

We recommend that you migrate to Azure SQL DB, or upgrade to the current product versions. You should take action before the support end dates. Upgrading lets you take advantage of the latest product innovations, and ensures uninterrupted support from Microsoft.

Resources

Migration assistance with the Azure Migration and Modernization Center

The Azure Migration and Modernization Center has a full range of tools available to help you:

  • Assess your current on-premises environment.
  • Migrate your workloads onto Azure.
  • Optimize your Azure usage to best suit your needs.

Microsoft also works with many partners who are available to help you at every step of the journey.