When Windows Home Server was first released, all the way back in 2007, when smartphones were seen as luxuries, rather than necessities, it revolutionized the tech world. This was the case for quite some time. Less than a decade later, however, the server reached its end of life (EOL). As support for Windows Home Server ended, it meant that getting help for things like a Windows Server ISO file proved extremely difficult, and people gradually began to move on.
In late 2018, Windows Server 2019 was released to largely positive reviews. To this day, it’s still a firm-favorite for many, even with Versione di Windows Server 2022 and the newly released Windows Server 2025 now on the scene.
Unfortunately, in January 2024, Windows Server 2019 reached end of life, meaning mainstream support for the server ended. Extended support will cease in 2029, which means it’s important to move on.
Utilizzando Windows Server 2019, following its EOL will pose significant risks to both security and performance. We’re going to highlight a few of these risks right now.
No Tech Support
When it’s working correctly, technology is a truly wonderful thing, designed to make life much easier for all who use it. When things inevitably go wrong, however, it can be a complete nightmare.
For times when technology does go wrong, it pays to have professional support on hand to help. With newly released Windows Servers, that is precisely what you get. The older they get, however, the fewer people use them, and as newer alternatives are released, technical support is eventually phased out entirely.
When talking about Windows Server 2019 end of life, that is essentially what we mean. Mainstream support for this server ended more than a year ago, and it won’t be long before extended support also ends. When this happens, if something does go wrong, you are basically on your own and will need to find fixes and solutions yourself.
Greater Maintenance Costs
Even though sticking with Windows Server 2019 may seem like the cheaper alternative to migrating over to Windows Server 2025 right away, in the long-term it will likely end up costing you money.
If things do go wrong, sourcing custom support can be expensive, as can emergency fixes that need to be resolved as quickly as possible. This could end up costing you more in maintenance over the long-term.
Negative Impact on Your Business
Windows Servers are ideal for businesses and professional organizations, which is why they’re so commonly used. They offer enhanced security and features, and are designed to streamline businesses and make life much easier for all parties involved.
In business, perception is reality, and first impressions matter. When clients and potential clients see that your organization is utilizing old, soon-to-be obsolete servers that have reached their EOL, they may be put off. This can give the impression that you’re old school, stuck in the past, and afraid to change. While this can work in some businesses’ favor, for most, it comes across as amateurish.
If your organization still relies upon Windows Server 2019, it may be worth upgrading and moving with the times.
Trouble Scaling Up
If you’re looking to scale up your business, using an older, outdated version of Windows Server that will soon have met its EOL can hold you back.
Using an outdated version of Windows Server means that newer software and applications will no longer offer compatibility with Windows Server 2019.
If you’re looking to scale up your organization and expand your business, you will need to upgrade to a newer version of Windows Server, ideally 2025. Failing to adapt and get with the times can severely hinder a business. Ideally, you want to be two steps ahead of your competitors, and being stuck in the past unfortunately means this isn’t possible.
Reduced Rates of Performance and Reliability
Of course, when talking about Windows Server 2019 end of life, you can’t overlook the fact that using outdated servers can severely hinder your performance.
Because apps, hardware, and software will no longer be compatible, this can result in dips in performance and reliability. When Windows Home Server was first released, it offered amazing features and boosted performance. As time passed by, however, it grew older, times changed, and it soon became obsolete.
Using a newer, updated version of Windows Server means that you’ll benefit from enhanced levels of performance and reliability.
Security Vulnerabilities
Finally, the last risk associated with using an outdated version of Windows Server is that it leaves you vulnerable to all manner of online security risks.
With a Windows Server that has reached its end of life, it will no longer benefit from security updates, meaning you’ll be exposed to a wide range of online safety and security issues.