# SQL Server migration to Azure URL: https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/sql-server/ Last updated: 2026-11-07 > SQL Server migration to Azure for UK organisations: Azure SQL Managed Instance, an Azure VM or Azure SQL Database. SQL Server 2016 support ended July 2026. SQL Server migration to Azure moves your databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance, an Azure virtual machine or Azure SQL Database, in UK South or UK West. SQL Server 2016 support ended on **14 July 2026**. We start with a free assessment, then recommend a target for each database. - SQL Server 2012 to 2025 - Managed Instance, a VM or Azure SQL Database - Licences and downtime planned per database ## Is this you? - SQL Server 2016 is out of support: [Your 2016 options](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/sql-server-2016-end-of-support/) - SQL Server 2017 support is ending - The Windows Server underneath is 2016: [Windows Server migration](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/windows-server/) - You'd rather stop patching databases: [Compare the Azure SQL options](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/migrate-sql-server-to-azure/) ## What you get and how it works 1. **Free assessment.** You get: Scope and ballpark costs, with out-of-support instances flagged. 2. **Compatibility assessment.** You get: Blockers found, and a recommended target and size for each database. 3. **A target for each database.** You get: Managed Instance, an Azure VM or Azure SQL Database, with both costs in writing. 4. **Online migration and cut-over.** You get: A synced copy in Azure to test, then a cut-over in a window you agree. 5. **Tune and hand over.** You get: Tiers checked, Azure Hybrid Benefit applied, documentation, and [managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/) if you want it. ## Why ComputeCloud - UK regions by default - A target for every database, in writing - Honest advice on what not to move - Delivered in partnership with Focus Group, our Microsoft delivery partner. ## Start your free assessment Two fields now, about 2 minutes in all. A specialist then gets in touch. Start here: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/ ## Sources - [Microsoft Lifecycle: SQL Server 2016](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/sql-server-2016) - [Microsoft Lifecycle: SQL Server 2017](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/sql-server-2017) - [Microsoft Learn: SQL Server Extended Security Updates](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/end-of-support/sql-server-extended-security-updates) - [Microsoft Learn: what is Azure SQL Managed Instance?](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/managed-instance/sql-managed-instance-paas-overview) - [Microsoft Learn: Managed Instance link overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/managed-instance/managed-instance-link-feature-overview) - [Microsoft Learn: SQL Server migration assessment in Azure Arc](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/azure-arc/migration-assessment) - [Microsoft Learn: what's happening with Azure Data Studio (retired 28 February 2026)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/tools/whats-happening-azure-data-studio) - [Microsoft Learn: SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance, migration overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/managed-instance/overview) - [Microsoft Learn: SQL Server to SQL Server on Azure VMs, migration overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/virtual-machines/overview) - [Microsoft Learn: SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, migration overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/data-migration/sql-server/database/overview) - [Microsoft Lifecycle: SQL Server 2025](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/sql-server-2025) - [Microsoft Learn: Azure Hybrid Benefit for Azure SQL](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/azure-hybrid-benefit) - [Microsoft Learn: Azure regions list (UK South, UK West)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/reliability/regions-list) Facts checked 7 November 2026. See also: [Guide: how to migrate SQL Server to Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/migrate-sql-server-to-azure/) · [Guide: SQL Server 2016 end of support](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/sql-server-2016-end-of-support/) · [Windows Server migration](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/windows-server/) · [Azure migration services](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/) · [Azure landing zone design](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/landing-zone/) · [Managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Which Azure SQL option should we choose? For most line-of-business databases, Azure SQL Managed Instance, which is close to 100% compatible with SQL Server and patched and backed up by Microsoft. Choose an Azure VM for operating-system access, a vendor-certified version or Reporting Services, and Azure SQL Database for new apps. [The three options compared](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/migrate-sql-server-to-azure/) ### Does SQL Server 2016 get free security updates in Azure? No. From SQL Server 2016, Extended Security Updates are paid on Azure VMs and on Azure VMware Solution, as they are on-premises. Upgrading, or moving to Managed Instance, removes the need for them. ### How much downtime does a SQL Server migration need? With an online migration, the source stays in use while Azure keeps a copy in sync, so downtime is the final cut-over. The Managed Instance link supports this from SQL Server 2016 SP3. ### Can we reuse our SQL Server licences? Often. Azure Hybrid Benefit applies to Managed Instance, Azure SQL Database (provisioned vCore) and SQL Server on Azure VMs, for licences with Software Assurance or a qualifying subscription. [Azure Hybrid Benefit for Azure SQL](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/azure-hybrid-benefit) ### Who supports SQL Server after the move? We can. SQL Server support covers health checks, patching and upgrades, backups and DR, and monitoring and fixes, for Azure SQL and SQL Server on Azure VMs, and for any SQL Server you keep on-premises. It's delivered remotely and on-site. [SQL Server support](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/sql-server-support/) --- Get a free Azure migration assessment: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/