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Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements

Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements

Written By Anoop C Nair
Last Updated May 15, 2026
Posted In Entra
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Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 is now generally available.
  • Added support for Azure SQL Database with managed identity authentication.
  • Compatibility updated for SQL Server 2022, Exchange Server Subscription Edition, and SharePoint Subscription Edition.
  • MIM 2016 SP2 support will continue until May 2027.
  • MIM 2016 remains supported until January 2029.

In this post, we are discussing Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3, released with Hybrid Identity Improvements. Microsoft has announced the general availability of Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 Service Pack 3 (SP3), introducing several improvements focused on stability, compatibility, and hybrid identity management. The latest update is designed for organisations that are still on MIM for complex identity synchronisation and on-premises integration scenarios.

Table of Contents

Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements

Many companies still use Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 to manage user accounts and identity data across different systems and on-premises applications. These setups are often complex, and moving everything fully to the cloud is not always easy. With SP3, Microsoft is helping organisations continue using MIM more securely and smoothly.

What’s New in MIM 2016 SP3?

The new service pack introduces updated compatibility with Microsoft server products, including SQL Server 2022 and Exchange Server Subscription Edition. Organisations can now continue running MIM in environments using the latest Microsoft infrastructure components. Another update is support for deploying the MIM Portal on SharePoint Subscription Edition, helping enterprises’ portal deployments without depending on older SharePoint versions.

AreaWhat’s New
Run MIM on current platformsUpdated compatibility for SQL Server 2022 and Exchange Server SE; new option to run Synchronization Service DB on Azure SQL Database with managed identities
Modernize MIM Service & PortalDeploy Portal on SharePoint SE; support for System Center Service Manager DW 2022 for reporting/audit; AD FS SSO support for claims‑based authentication
Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements – Fig.1

Azure SQL Database Support for Synchronisation Service

One of the biggest additions in SP3 is support for Azure SQL Database as a database option for the Synchronisation Service. Microsoft also introduced authentication through both system-assigned and user-assigned managed identities. This feature is intended to reduce operational risks by minimising the need for stored credentials and improving security in hybrid identity deployments.

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Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements. Fig.1 Creds to MS
Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Released with Hybrid Identity Improvements. Fig.1 Creds to MS

Upgrade and Support Information

Microsoft stated that SP3 includes a new upgrade process, and administrators are advised to test the update in non-production environments before deployment. Under Microsoft’s support lifecycle policy, MIM 2016 SP2 will be supported through May 2027, giving organisations time to transition to SP3. So, MIM 2016 itself will continue to receive support until January 9, 2029.

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Author

Anoop C Nair is a Workplace Technology solution architect with 25+ years of experience. Microsoft Certified Trainer. Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for consecutive 11+ years! He is a blogger, Speaker, and Founder of HTMD Community and HTMD Conference. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like Intune, Windows, and Cloud PC. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Entra, and Microsoft Security.

Written by

Anoop C Nair is Workplace Technology solution architect with 25+ years of experience in global enterprise organizations such as JP Morgan, Capgemini, etc. Microsoft Certified Trainer. Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for consecutive 11+ years! He also conducts Intune and modern workplace tech training for enterprise organizations. He is Blogger, Speaker, and Founder of HTMD Community and HTMD Conference. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like Intune, Windows, Cloud PC. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security.

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