Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 coming to end of support

There’s less than 6 months to go until Exchange Server 2016 and Exchange Server 2019 reach end of support on 14 October 2025. Are you ready? 

It’s important that you make a plan to migrate to your chosen version of Exchange Server ahead of this date. This will ensure you continue to receive bug fixes that maintain the stability and usability of the server, security fixes for server vulnerabilities, and time zone updates. 

Microsoft recommends migrating from Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 ahead of the end of support date to reduce the potential of security risks. 

Still on Exchange Server 2016 or 2019? You have options. 

Migrating from Exchange Server 2019 

We suggest you migrate to Exchange Server Online, or prepare to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) when it becomes available in July this year. 

By migrating to Exchange Server Online, you can make use of Microsoft’s new features and technologies, such as advanced Gen AI technologies that are only available in the cloud. And if you’re migrating to the cloud, you may be eligible to use Microsoft’s FastTrack service. This provides tools and resources to make your migration go smoothly, giving you access to a support engineer who can support you throughout the process. 

Alternatively, you can migrate to Exchange Server SE when it becomes available. To do this, you’ll need to keep your Exchange servers up to date until SE is released, before upgrading. You can install Exchange Server 2019 CU15 now to make this transition faster, and easier. 

Migrating from Exchange Server 2016 

If you’re still on Exchange Server 2016, there’re extra steps you’ll need to take to migrate to Exchange Server SE. One option is to upgrade to Exchange Server SE RTM. However, this may run beyond the end of support date for Exchange Server 2016. 

To ensure you're upgraded by the cut-off date, this is the safest option. Microsoft recommends that you upgrade to Exchange Server 2019 now and decommission your Exchange Server 2016 servers, before performing an in-place upgrade to Exchange Server SE upon its release.

Preparing for Exchange Server SE 

You can already start testing and evaluating pre-release builds of Exchange Server SE releases ahead of migrating. 

The Exchange Server Technology Adoption Program (TAP) helps you to plan out your migration, as well as provide input on future updates, receive pre-release information about Exchange Server, and free support from Microsoft for issues related to the TAP. 

You can apply to TAP now, however, whether you join the TAP program or not, you will be able to test the code equivalent of Exchange SE in your business by installing Exchange 2019 CU15. 

Consult with our experts

Need support or advice on your Exchange Server migration? Fill in the form below or send us a message on our Live Chat. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.