To help you manage your MySQL upgrade timelines with greater flexibility, we’re introducing Extended Support for Azure Database for MySQL – Flexible Server, starting in spring 2026. If your server is running on a MySQL version that has reached the end of standard support, it automatically enters Extended Support after a one-month grace period. During this time, you continue to receive critical security updates and benefit from Microsoft’s commitment to service availability and reliability for up to three additional years. This flexibility gives you more time to plan and execute major version upgrades without compromising on security or compliance. New features and minor version updates may not be included; however, Extended Support helps ensure that your workloads remain protected and operational. To avoid Extended Support charges, you can upgrade your server to a MySQL version that is still under standard support.