As Microsoft gears up to phase out support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 in October 2025, administrators and businesses relying on these platforms must prepare for significant changes. The tech giant has issued a formal warning that after this deadline, Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will no longer receive security patches or bug fixes, leaving installations exposed to potential attacks. This article breaks down what this means for you and your organization, offering guidance on how to manage the transition smoothly.
What’s Happening?
Microsoft recently announced that both Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 will reach the end of their support lifecycle on October 14, 2025. After this date, these versions of Exchange will continue to run, but they will no longer receive critical security updates or bug fixes. Microsoft has made it clear that continuing to use these outdated systems will expose businesses to increased security risks.
Although Exchange 2016 and 2019 will not stop functioning after the end-of-support date, Microsoft strongly urges administrators to act now to avoid running unsupported and vulnerable systems. This is especially important as Microsoft has confirmed that it will not offer extended support or Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for these versions after October 2025.
The warning comes after earlier notices, including one from January 2025, which already highlighted that these versions would no longer receive technical support starting in October. More recently, Microsoft reaffirmed this with another reminder in May 2024. Exchange 2019’s mainstream support ended on January 9, 2024, while Exchange 2016 has been without mainstream support since October 2020.
What Should Admins Do Next?
Administrators facing this deadline have a few options to prepare. Microsoft suggests considering a migration to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) or moving to Exchange Online. The latter is part of the Office 365 suite and offers a cloud-based solution, while Exchange Server SE is a hybrid option designed for on-premises use, providing a more modern framework for Exchange Server deployments.
For those who wish to retain their on-premises Exchange infrastructure, Microsoft outlines two key upgrade paths:
– In-place upgrades from Exchange 2019 to Exchange Server SE once it’s released.
– Legacy (side-by-side) upgrades from Exchange 2016 to Exchange 2019, followed by an in-place upgrade to Exchange SE.
Additionally, Microsoft has advised Exchange 2016 users to complete a legacy upgrade to Exchange 2019 before moving on to Exchange Server SE, as it might be too tight of a timeline to skip directly to the new version.
For organizations seeking a cloud solution, Exchange Online offers a clear migration path. However, transitioning to the cloud may require significant planning and configuration, especially for larger deployments.
What Undercode Say:
The upcoming end-of-life for Exchange 2016 and 2019 signals a major shift for businesses still relying on on-premises solutions. While transitioning to Exchange Online could offer a seamless path forward with benefits like automatic updates, enhanced security, and scalability, it’s important to assess each organization’s unique needs before making a decision.
The key challenge for administrators lies in the short timeframe between now and October 2025. Depending on the size and complexity of their Exchange deployments, businesses may struggle to migrate in time. A smooth transition requires careful planning and, in many cases, incremental upgrades. While the in-place upgrades between Exchange 2019 and Exchange Server SE may seem straightforward, the side-by-side upgrade from Exchange 2016 adds a layer of complexity. Migrating directly from Exchange 2016 to Exchange SE without going through Exchange 2019 could be an option for some businesses, but it is not without its risks.
For many businesses, Exchange Online will likely be the preferred solution. The move to a cloud environment offers not only security and compliance advantages but also frees IT staff from the burdens of maintaining on-premises servers. However, this shift requires careful consideration of data migration, user training, and integration with existing systems, especially for organizations with custom configurations or hybrid infrastructures.
Ultimately, the end of support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 is a call to action for organizations to modernize their email infrastructure. Delaying the transition could result in significant security risks, compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies. IT admins must act soon to ensure a smooth transition and safeguard their systems from potential cyber threats.
Fact Checker Results
- Exchange 2016 and 2019 will indeed reach their end-of-life support by October 14, 2025, with no extended support available.
- Exchange Server SE will provide a migration path for on-premises users, but Exchange Online remains the primary cloud-based option.
- No security updates will be issued for Exchange 2016 and 2019 post-October 2025, exposing businesses to cybersecurity risks.
References:
Reported By: www.bleepingcomputer.com
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