Preparing for the Future
The End of Support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 and the Rise of Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE)

As technology continues to evolve, so too must the tools and systems that businesses rely on. One significant upcoming change is the end of support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, scheduled for October 14, 2025. This milestone marks the end of an era for these widely-used email and calendaring servers, which have been integral to many organizations' communication infrastructure.

The end of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide technical assistance, security updates, or bug fixes for these versions. For businesses that depend on Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, this change is crucial. It necessitates a transition to newer solutions to ensure continued security, compliance, and operational efficiency. The introduction of Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) offers a modern alternative, promising continuous updates and a subscription-based model that aligns with contemporary IT needs. This shift is not just about upgrading software; it's about embracing a future-proof approach to enterprise communication.

End of Support Details

October 14, 2025, marks the end of support for both Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. This date is significant as it signals the cessation of all official support from Microsoft for these versions.

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide several critical services for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019:


  • Technical Support: Businesses will no longer have access to Microsoft's technical assistance for troubleshooting issues. This can lead to prolonged downtime and unresolved technical problems.
  • Bug Fixes: Any bugs or issues that affect the stability and usability of the servers will remain unaddressed. This can result in performance degradation and operational inefficiencies.
  • Security Updates: The absence of security patches will leave servers vulnerable to new threats and exploits. This increases the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks, which can have severe consequences for businesses.
  • Time Zone Updates: Changes in global time zones will not be reflected in the servers, potentially causing scheduling conflicts and inaccuracies in time-sensitive communications.

Continuing to use Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 beyond their end-of-support date invites significant risks. Organizations are strongly encouraged to plan their migration to newer solutions, such as Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) or Microsoft 365 (M365) Exchange Online, to ensure continued security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Risks of Continuing with Unsupported Versions

When Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 reach their end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, businesses that continue to use these versions will face several significant risks:

Security Vulnerabilities

Without ongoing security updates, Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Hackers often target outdated systems, exploiting known vulnerabilities that will no longer be patched. This can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and potentially severe financial and reputational damage.

Compliance Issues

Many industries have strict regulations regarding data security and privacy. Running unsupported software can result in non-compliance with these regulations. This can lead to legal consequences, including fines and penalties, as well as damage to the organization's reputation. Ensuring compliance is crucial for maintaining trust with clients and stakeholders.

Operational Stability

Unsupported software can suffer from performance degradation and instability. Without bug fixes and technical support, any issues that arise will remain unresolved, potentially leading to system crashes and downtime. This can disrupt business operations, reduce productivity, and increase the workload on IT staff who must manage these problems without official support.

Time Zone Updates

Time zone updates are essential for maintaining accurate scheduling and time-sensitive communications. These updates ensure that changes in global time zones, such as adjustments for Daylight Saving Time, are reflected in the server's settings. Without these updates, organizations may experience scheduling conflicts and inaccuracies, particularly if they operate across multiple regions. This can affect meeting times, deadlines, and other critical time-dependent activities.

In summary, continuing to use Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 beyond their end-of-support date exposes businesses to significant risks. Transitioning to newer solutions, such as Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) or M365 Exchange Online, is essential to ensure continued security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Introducing Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) 

Release Date 

Release Date 

Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) is expected to be released in July 2025. This new edition marks a significant shift in how Microsoft delivers and licenses its on-premises email server solutions.

Subscription Model 

Subscription Model 

Unlike traditional perpetual licensing, Exchange Server SE operates on a yearly subscription basis. This model is similar to the licensing approach used for Exchange Online, providing a more flexible and predictable way to manage costs and updates. 

Continuous Updates 

Continuous Updates 

Subscribers to Exchange Server SE will receive continuous updates, including the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. This ensures that the server remains secure and up-to-date without the need for major version upgrades. 

Predictable Costs 

The subscription model offers easier budgeting with predictable annual costs. Organizations can plan their IT expenses more effectively, avoiding the large upfront costs associated with perpetual licenses. 

On-Premises Flexibility 

Exchange Server SE is ideal for organizations that need to maintain on-premises email infrastructure. It provides the benefits of continuous updates and predictable costs while allowing businesses to keep their data and operations on-premises. 

Subscription Licensing Model 

For Customers with Software Assurance:

Customers with active Software Assurance (SA) will benefit from a smoother transition to Exchange Server SE. SA provides access to the latest updates and features, ensuring that these customers can upgrade to SE without additional licensing costs. They will simply need to switch to the subscription model, which will be managed through their existing SA agreements. 

For Customers without Software Assurance:

Customers without Software Assurance will need to purchase new subscription licenses for Exchange Server SE. This involves acquiring both server licenses and Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device. These licenses will need to be maintained annually to ensure continued access to updates and support.

Steps for Legal Licensing

  • Evaluate Current Licensing: Assess the current licensing status and determine if Software Assurance is active.
  • Purchase Subscription Licenses: For those without SA, purchase the necessary server and CAL subscription licenses.
  • Plan the Transition: Prepare for the transition by ensuring all prerequisites are met, such as installing the latest cumulative updates for Exchange Server 2019 (CU15) to facilitate the upgrade.
  • Implement the Upgrade: Follow the upgrade path from Exchange Server 2016 or 2019 to Exchange Server SE, ensuring compliance with the new licensing model.

By transitioning to Exchange Server SE, organizations can benefit from continuous updates, enhanced security, and predictable costs, all while maintaining the flexibility of on-premises infrastructure.

Transitioning to Exchange Server SE 

Upgrade Paths 

  • From Exchange 2019 CU15: In-place upgrade to Exchange Server SE.
  • From Exchange 2019 CU14 (and older): Upgrade to Exchange Server 2019 CU15.
  • From Exchange 2016: Migrate to Exchange 2019 CU15, followed by an in-place upgrade to SE.
  • From Exchange 2013: Migrate to Exchange 2019 CU14, followed by an upgrade to Exchange 2019 CU15, followed by an in-place upgrade to SE.
  • From Exchange 2010: Migrate to Exchange 2016, followed by a migration to Exchange 2019 CU14, followed by an upgrade to Exchange 2019 CU15, followed by an in-place upgrade to SE.

Preparation Steps 

  • Install or migrate to Exchange Server 2019 CU15 to facilitate a smoother transition.
  • Plan for the new licensing requirements and subscription model.

Microsoft's Future Positioning for Exchange Server 

Alignment with Modern IT Demands

Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) is designed to align with the evolving needs of modern IT environments. By adopting a cloud-like subscription model, SE offers a flexible and scalable solution that meets the demands of contemporary businesses. This model allows organizations to benefit from continuous updates and improvements without the need for major version upgrades, ensuring that their email infrastructure remains current and secure. The subscription model also simplifies budgeting and financial planning, as it replaces large, upfront licensing costs with predictable annual expenses.

Enhanced Security and Features

One of the key advantages of Exchange Server SE is its commitment to continuous updates. Subscribers will receive regular security patches, bug fixes, and new features as part of their subscription. This approach ensures that the server is always protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of security breaches. Additionally, continuous updates mean that organizations can take advantage of the latest features and enhancements, improving productivity and user experience. For example, the introduction of Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 in Exchange Server SE enhances security by eliminating obsolete cryptographic algorithms and encrypting more of the handshake process.

Support for Hybrid Deployments

Exchange Server SE is designed to support hybrid environments, allowing organizations to integrate their on-premises email infrastructure with cloud services such as Exchange Online. Hybrid deployments offer several benefits, including:

By supporting hybrid deployments, Exchange Server SE enables organizations to leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud environments, providing a flexible and secure solution for their email infrastructure.

In summary, Microsoft's positioning of Exchange Server SE reflects a commitment to meeting the needs of modern IT environments through a flexible subscription model, continuous updates, and robust support for hybrid deployments. This approach ensures that organizations can maintain a secure, up-to-date, and adaptable email infrastructure.

At Cybera, we help organizations implement and migrate to supported versions of software that align with business goals and best practices.

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