Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 SP3 Now Available

Introduction

Microsoft Identity Manager (MIM) 2016 is still widely used in hybrid identity deployments where complex synchronization, custom schemas, and deep on-premises integrations are required. With Service Pack 3 now generally available, Microsoft is focusing on stability, supportability, and compatibility with modern platform components.

What’s new in MIM 2016 SP3

Updated platform support

MIM 2016 SP3 adds compatibility with newer infrastructure platforms, including:

• SQL Server 2022
• Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE)
• SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE)
• System Center Service Manager Data Warehouse 2022

This helps organizations keep MIM running on supported server components without holding back broader infrastructure upgrades.

Azure SQL Database for Synchronization Service

One of the most notable additions is a new deployment option for the MIM Synchronization Service database:

• Azure SQL Database support
• Authentication using system-assigned managed identities
• Authentication using user-assigned managed identities

For IT teams, this can reduce operational risk by limiting reliance on traditional credential management in hybrid identity environments.

Portal and authentication improvements

SP3 also modernizes parts of the MIM experience with:

• MIM Portal support on SharePoint Subscription Edition
• AD FS single sign-on support for claims-based authentication

This gives organizations more flexibility for user sign-in and helps align MIM with current on-premises authentication approaches.

Why this matters for IT administrators

For admins maintaining MIM-based identity workflows, SP3 provides a practical path to keep existing deployments supported and stable. It is especially relevant for environments with multiple directories, forest synchronization, custom object management, or integrations that are not yet easy to replace with cloud-native tools.

At the same time, Microsoft is clear that Microsoft Entra is the long-term direction for identity governance and lifecycle management. SP3 should be viewed as a support and modernization update, not a shift in strategic direction.

Action items and next steps

• Review the official SP3 upgrade documentation carefully, as Microsoft notes there is a new upgrade process.
• Test SP3 in a non-production environment before rolling it into production.
• Plan your upgrade timeline if you are currently on SP2, which remains supported through May 2027.
• Reassess your long-term identity roadmap and evaluate where MIM workloads can transition to Microsoft Entra over time.

MIM 2016 remains supported through January 9, 2029, giving customers time to stabilize current deployments while planning phased modernization.