Frequently asked questions about the end of support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 / 2019

Microsoft's mainstream support for Exchange Server has already expired and the period for extended support ends on October 14, 2025. This affects both the Exchange Server 2016 version and the Exchange Server 2019 version. What's next for Exchange Server? Our article answers frequently asked questions about the options for customers with an affected Exchange Server.

Webcast Aufzeichnung

Support-Ende für Exchange Server 2016/2019:

Was jetzt?

In unserer Aufzeichnung erfahren Sie, wie Sie die beste Entscheidung für Ihre IT treffen und welche Vor- und Nachteile die verschiedenen Alternativen bieten. Dr. Matthias Bender (Leiter Competence Center Productivity & Applications), gibt Ihnen dabei wertvolle Einblicke aus der Praxis und beantwortet Ihre Fragen.

Will there be a new version of Exchange Server?

Yes, Microsoft will offer a successor version for the local operation of Exchange Server - the Exchange Server Subscription Edition. The release is expected for the beginning of Q3/2025. As the name suggests, Exchange Server will no longer be available as a purchase license, but only as a subscription. Specific prices for this are not yet known.

As before, client access licenses (CALs) in the corresponding version are also required. Furthermore, a valid Software Assurance will be mandatory for the CALs when using Exchange Server Subscription Edition.

For many customers, this means that the licensing required to operate an Exchange server in their own data center (on-premise) will be significantly more expensive than before.

What are the system requirements for Exchange Server Subscription Edition?

The technical system requirements correspond to those of Exchange Server 2019 CU15. In addition, Exchange Server 2019 CU15 adds support for Windows Server 2025.

For customers previously using Exchange Server 2016, the minimum system requirements will increase significantly, particularly with regard to the required RAM.

A special hybrid edition of Exchange Server is available for customers who wish to continue operating a local Exchange Server (e.g. for the local forwarding of emails from older multifunctional devices or self-developed applications), which can be operated free of license costs - as long as no mailboxes are located on it.

Which upgrade paths lead to Exchange Server Subscription Edition?

Exchange Server Subscription Edition will be code-identical to Exchange Server 2019 CU15 and will only differ in name, license agreement and build number. Microsoft therefore recommends upgrading to the latest Cumulative Updates (CU) of Exchange Server 2019 at an early stage - the step to Exchange Server Subscription Edition then corresponds to the installation of another Cumulative Update (CU) as an "in-place upgrade".

For customers who are currently still using Exchange Server 2016, Microsoft also recommends the interim step to Exchange Server 2019. Alternatively, a completely new Exchange infrastructure can be set up as part of a "legacy update" and the mailboxes migrated to the new environment.

Will there be Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Exchange Server 2016 / 2019?

Microsoft has confirmed that there will be no Extended Security Updates for Exchange Server 2016 / 2019.

What other alternatives do I have?

In recent months, many of our customers have successfully migrated to Exchange Online, which is operated in Microsoft's own data centers in Germany. Customers are thus reducing their local resource requirements (including storage space for mailboxes) and saving themselves the effort of regularly installing security updates in their own Exchange environment.

Many customers already had Microsoft 365 licenses and were able to use Exchange Online for these users at no extra charge. For the personal mailboxes of users who did not previously use Microsoft 365, cost-effective Exchange Online licenses are available if required, which are usually even cheaper than the classic client access licenses for your own Exchange server.