Using unsupported software is a liability, as it poses substantial security, compliance, and operational risks. An end-of-support software report list helps MSPs inform clients about upcoming EOS software and allows them to strategize proactively.
This guide provides guidance on how to create succinct EOS/EOL reports and how NinjaOne services can help in creating these reports.
Step-by-step guide on creating proactive EOS reports
End of Support (EOS) or End of Life (EOL) reports can vary per MSP. Whether you’re an MSP hoping to improve your client communications or searching for ways to optimize your IT documentation, this section outlines our suggestions for creating a proactive End of Support software report.
What is an EOS report?
An EOS report is a document or summary that lists products, systems, and software that have reached the end of their software lifecycle.
Prerequisites
Make sure that you have the following:
- Reliable EOS data sources, such as Microsoft Product Lifecycle and vendor support pages
- Ability to extract client software inventory via RMM, scripting, or CMDB tools
- A simple report format (Excel, Google Sheets, shared docs)
- Commitment to quarterly cadence and follow-through tracking
Step 1: Build and maintain a trusted EOS/EOL list
A trusted EOS/EOL list helps IT teams identify outdated or unsupported software before it becomes a security or compliance risk. Build it using authoritative vendor sources, such as official product lifecycle pages, security advisories, and manufacturer documentation, to ensure every entry is accurate and verifiable.”
⚠️ Important: Make sure to regularly update this document or list. To ensure accuracy, pull from sources such as:
- Microsoft Lifecycle Policy: comprehensive support timelines for Windows products
- MS‑ISAC EOS Software List: monthly EOS list compiled for broader asset coverage
Step 2: Capture client software installations
Next, determine what software or tools your client has installed. From there, you can cross-reference your findings against the updated EOS reference to identify at-risk software.
💡 Tip: To safely extract installed software data, you can query the Windows Uninstall registry keys via PowerShell. To do so, open PowerShell and run the script below:
$paths = @(
|
Step 3: Create a well-structured EOS report
An EOS or EOL report should be concise and easy to read. Our recommendation is to use a tabular format such as the example below:
| Software | Version | EOS Date | Business Impact | Recommended Actions |
| Windows Server 2012 | All | October 2023 | Security risk, compliance exposure | Plan migration to Server 2022 |
This report isn’t meant to be too complicated, so keep your language simple and let the data speak for itself. You can preface your report with a simple introductory message such as “Here’s this quarter’s EOS software report. Let’s align on upgrade timelines to avoid security risk as vendor support ends.”
💡 Tip: Want to be seen as a proactive partner? Include remediation paths and budgetary context when necessary and possible. This prevents being too alarmist or passive, while encouraging feedback and collaboration with your client.
Step 4: Track client actions and follow up
Proper documentation ensures transparency, accountability, and schedule compliance. Similar to your End of Support software report, the log should be simple, but can easily give the necessary context.
A sample log may look like this:
| Software | Status | Review Date |
| Windows Server 2012 | Planning upgrade | 2025-09-01 |
A detailed log helps MSPs when they need to revisit the next update cycle to monitor progress and adjust commentary.
Integrating NinjaOne in your End of Support software reporting process
NinjaOne can enhance your EOS reporting workflow via:
- Exporting live software inventory and version data
- Tagging EOS-identified software within asset reports
- Creating automated alerts for assets nearing support end
- Embedding report summaries into client documentation dashboards
Together with its other automation services, NinjaOne bridges the gap between detection and advisory. Additionally, you can also create a software inventory report using NinjaOne.
Turn End-of-Support reports into a strategic advantage
Delivering proactive EoS software reports empowers clients to replace risk with planning. With structured sourcing, clean templates, optional automation, and tactical communication, MSPs can reinforce security and deepen client trust, all with minimal overhead.
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