What Is the Latest Version of SharePoint: Current Release and Update Details

Microsoft’s cloud-first approach means the online version gets monthly updates with cutting-edge tools. 🔥 Meanwhile, the on-premises edition offers organizations more control over their infrastructure, which is why many enterprises still prefer it for sensitive data or compliance needs. I’ve seen both versions evolve significantly over the years, each serving distinct business requirements.

SharePoint Online vs SharePoint Server Version Differences

Microsoft maintains two distinct SharePoint paths to serve different business needs. The cloud-based SharePoint Online integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, receiving monthly feature updates that automatically roll out to users. This model eliminates manual upgrades while ensuring access to the newest collaboration tools like Copilot AI integration and modern page experiences.

On-premises SharePoint Server follows a traditional release cycle, with Server 2025 being the current version. Organizations choose this for full data control, customization flexibility, or compliance requirements. Unlike the cloud version, updates require manual installation and occur on a 3-5 year cycle, giving IT teams time to test and plan deployments.

The deployment models differ significantly. SharePoint Online operates as a subscription service with 99.9% uptime SLA, while Server versions require your own infrastructure. I’ve seen enterprises use hybrid setups, combining Online’s agility with Server’s control for sensitive documents.

Feature parity isn’t complete between versions. Online gets innovations first, like the new Viva Connections dashboard, while Server focuses on stability. The cloud version also offers 1TB+ storage per user by default, compared to Server’s capacity limits based on your SQL backend.

Cost structures vary too. Online is bundled with Microsoft 365 licenses starting at $5/user/month, while Server requires per-server licensing plus CALs for each user. This makes Online more predictable for budgeting, while Server offers potential long-term savings for large, stable user bases.

Both versions share core document management and team collaboration features, but the experience differs. Online offers real-time co-authoring and mobile apps, while Server provides deeper customization through Farm Solutions—something many legacy applications still depend on. ⚡

How to Check Your SharePoint Version

For SharePoint Online, log into the Microsoft 365 admin center using your admin credentials. Navigate to Health > Service health, then look for the SharePoint Online service card. The current version appears under Service details. This method works for any user with admin rights. 🔥

In SharePoint Server, open Central Administration and look for the System Settings section. Click Manage servers in the farm, then check the Configuration database version number. This number corresponds to specific server versions Microsoft publishes in their documentation.

For a quick check without admin access, click the gear icon in any SharePoint site, select Site information, then View all site settings. In the URL, look for /layouts/15/ (Server 2013/2016/2019) or /layouts/ (Online).

PowerShell offers the most precise method. Run Get-SPFarm in the SharePoint Management Shell to see the exact build number. Compare this against Microsoft’s version list to identify your specific release. ✨