andreatapia presents a detailed breakdown of Azure Database for PostgreSQL Extended Support, explaining how organizations can keep databases secure when older PostgreSQL versions reach end-of-life.

Azure PostgreSQL Extended Support: Stay Secure at Every Upgrade Stage

Author: andreatapia
Date: Updated Aug 12, 2025

Overview

Upgrading PostgreSQL for mission-critical workloads is challenging, especially when operating under tight timelines or regulatory requirements. Microsoft now offers Extended Support for Azure Database for PostgreSQL to bridge the support gap once your database’s PostgreSQL version reaches its official community end-of-life (EOL).

What is Azure PostgreSQL Extended Support?

  • Automatic enrollment: Once community support ends for your PostgreSQL version, Azure automatically enrolls eligible servers in Extended Support.
  • Duration: Provides up to three additional years of security patches and critical bug fixes beyond the community EOL.
  • Exit strategy: Automatic exit occurs once you upgrade to a supported version or after the three-year support window ends.
  • Support coverage: All customers retain access to technical support through their existing Azure support plan.

Who Needs Extended Support?

This offering is intended for organizations that:

  • Require additional time to test and validate new database versions
  • Must maintain compliance in regulated industries
  • Want to avoid service downtime and ensure business continuity
  • Cannot upgrade immediately following community EOL for PostgreSQL

Recommendations for Using Extended Support Wisely

  1. Plan early: Review and evaluate PostgreSQL versions 11, 12, 13, and upcoming 17, which brings in-place upgrade capabilities (learn more).
  2. Test upgrades: Use the additional time to minimize transition risks and validate critical workloads.
  3. Upgrade before support ends: Reference Microsoft’s upgrade documentation to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Extended Support Matters

  • Security: Your workloads continue to receive the latest security patches and bug fixes from Microsoft, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.
  • Continuity: Avoid forced downtime and maintain access to Microsoft technical support.
  • Compliance: Meet regulatory and industry mandates for supported and patched software.

Timeline & Pricing

  • Extended Support becomes a paid feature starting April 2026.
  • Automatic enrollment for eligible servers according to these retirement dates:
PostgreSQL Version Community Retirement Azure Standard Support End Paid Extended Support Start Paid Extended Support End
11 Nov 9, 2025 Mar 31, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 Mar 31, 2029
12 Nov 14, 2024 Mar 31, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 Mar 31, 2029
13 Nov 13, 2025 Mar 31, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 Mar 31, 2029
14 Nov 12, 2026 Dec 11, 2026 Dec 12, 2026 Dec 11, 2029
  • Pricing will be announced in Q3 2025.

Additional Resources

Summary

Azure Database for PostgreSQL Extended Support provides a structured, secure, and supported way to maintain legacy database workloads as you plan and execute upgrades. It is a temporary solution to help you reduce risk, maintain compliance, and retain technical coverage after community support concludes.

For further updates and support, follow the Azure Database for PostgreSQL blog and subscribe for notifications.

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