6 Key SharePoint Versions and Their Core Features

Exploring SharePoint’s Evolution: A Breakdown of Major Versions

With over 190 million global users, SharePoint has become a cornerstone of modern workplace collaboration. Since its initial release by Microsoft in 2001 as a basic document management system, SharePoint has transformed into a comprehensive platform powering workflows, team sites, and secure content sharing.

While early releases like 2001 and 2003 laid the foundation, the 2007 edition marked the true arrival of SharePoint as a business-critical solution. From that point forward, each new version has introduced features aimed at improving usability, integration, and governance. This article highlights the most significant releases from SharePoint 2007 to today’s cloud-first environment.

After SharePoint 2007, Microsoft released new on-premises editions roughly every three years—2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019—before moving to the Subscription Edition, which now receives biannual updates instead of standalone version releases.

Alongside these, SharePoint Online became available as part of Microsoft 365. This cloud-based version integrates with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and the full Office suite, offering a scalable and continually updated collaboration hub.

Launched in late 2012, SharePoint 2013 delivered a cleaner, more intuitive interface and introduced the concept of apps, replacing older sandboxed solutions. This version also featured improved cross-browser support, drag-and-drop functionality, OneDrive for Business, social networking features, and a revamped search experience.

Released in March 2016, SharePoint 2016 aligned more closely with Office 365, easing the path for organizations considering cloud migration. New features included:

• Larger site collections and databases (up to 1TB)
• Improved patching with minimal downtime
• The introduction of MinRole for better role-based deployments
• Full deprecation of sandbox solutions in favor of app-based architecture

These updates focused on flexibility, security, and enterprise scalability.

SharePoint 2019 brought a modern experience to on-prem environments, closely mirroring the look and feel of SharePoint Online. It delivered a responsive UI, integration with Power Apps, communication site enhancements, and more control over team sites.

Meanwhile, SharePoint Online continues to evolve as part of Microsoft 365. With automatic updates, integrated compliance tools, and seamless collaboration capabilities, it’s now the default choice for most organizations. Businesses benefit from reduced maintenance burdens, robust security infrastructure, and flexible licensing.

Microsoft currently offers mainstream support for SharePoint Subscription Edition and SharePoint Online. SharePoint 2016 is in extended support until July 2026, while SharePoint 2013 is no longer supported. Organizations still running legacy platforms should plan their migration strategy to avoid security and compliance risks.

While SharePoint Online offers unparalleled flexibility, some organizations continue to run on-premises deployments due to:

• Regulatory or compliance requirements
• Custom solutions not yet migrated
• Existing infrastructure investments
• Control over update cadence and server configuration

Hybrid deployments are common, particularly for enterprises in the midst of multi-year migrations or with complex environments.

Upgrading or transitioning SharePoint environments presents a range of challenges:

• Legacy InfoPath form replacements
• Custom site and workflow migrations
• Governance and compliance in the cloud

SnapOn Software tools like Forms, Data View Plus, and ProvisionPoint help bridge this gap, enabling secure and efficient migrations while maintaining user experience and IT control. Our solutions are compatible with all active SharePoint versions, reducing the need for costly redevelopment.

If your organization is still using SharePoint 2016 or 2019, it's time to start preparing - Microsoft’s support for both versions ends in July 2026. That might sound far off, but migrating to SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365 takes time and careful planning. It’s not just about moving content - there are legacy tools, like InfoPath, that many teams still rely on. Unfortunately, InfoPath is no longer supported and doesn't work in modern SharePoint.

That’s where SnapOn Software can make a real difference.

Our no-code Forms solution helps you easily rebuild InfoPath forms right inside Microsoft 365 - without needing developers or starting from scratch. With full SharePoint integration and built-in security, your data stays safe, and your business processes stay intact.

Whether you're just starting your migration or already planning, SnapOn Software offers both tools and expert guidance to help you move smarter—not just faster. We’re here to reduce the risk, simplify the process, and make sure your new Microsoft 365 environment works even better than before.