The end-of-support date for Skype for Business 2015 and 2019 is set on October 14, 2025. But today, Microsoft surprising announced an optional Extended Security Update (ESU) program to support a smooth transition to Skype for Business SE (Subscription Edition). Microsoft is aware that some organizations have not yet completed their migration.
Starting August 1, 2025, eligible customers may contact their Microsoft account representative to request pricing details and purchase a six-month ESU plan. This will assure access to critical and important security updates after the official support period ends. However, keep in mind that it does not extend the product lifecycle or provide technical support for general issues.
Security updates under this program will be issued privately to enrolled customers if Microsoft finds them necessary. These updates will not appear in public channels such as the Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update. The ESU coverage lasts until April 14, 2026, with no possibility of extension beyond that date.
Microsoft strongly advises all users to complete their migration to Skype for Business SE before the deadline. The Subscription Edition follows a modern lifecycle policy and ensures ongoing support and feature development. Organizations still using older versions should perform an in-place upgrade to Skype for Business SE as soon as possible.
The ESU program is not a long-term solution but a temporary opportunity for those requiring additional time to finalize their transition. Customers must weigh the benefits of short-term security coverage against the advantages of full migration to a supported platform.
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