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Microsoft says support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 ended on October 14, 2025. The servers do not automatically shut down, but Microsoft no longer provides technical support, bug fixes, security fixes, or time-zone updates for them. Administrators should plan to migrate to Microsoft 365 or upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), while resolving any hybrid recipient-management needs before removing on-premises Exchange.
What end of support means for Exchange 2016 and 2019
Microsoft’s end-of-support roadmap states: “Support for Exchange Server 2019 and 2016 ended on October 14, 2025.” The separate Microsoft Lifecycle pages list October 15, 2025 as the end date for each product; Microsoft notes that lifecycle dates are shown in Pacific Time. The roadmap date and lifecycle-table dates are distinct Microsoft records, so they should not be treated as a single harmonized date. See the Exchange Server 2016 lifecycle page and Exchange Server 2019 lifecycle page.
End of support is not a shutdown. Existing installations can continue running, but Microsoft no longer provides support for problems, bug fixes, security fixes, or time-zone updates for these versions. Microsoft strongly recommends migrating as soon as possible. Continuing to operate an unsupported server means accepting that those Microsoft servicing and support protections are no longer available.
Choose a supported path
Microsoft identifies two main directions: move mailboxes and related data to Microsoft 365, or remain on premises and upgrade to Exchange Server SE. The right route depends in part on whether your organization intends to move identity and recipient management to the cloud or keep on-premises Active Directory in charge.
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| Path | What it does | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 migration | Moves mailboxes, public folders, and other data to Microsoft 365 using a cutover, minimal hybrid, or full hybrid approach. | Microsoft describes this as the simplest option for retiring the old deployment. The appropriate migration approach depends on the organization’s migration needs. |
| Exchange Server SE upgrade | Moves the on-premises Exchange environment to Subscription Edition without transferring source of authority to Microsoft 365. | SE is listed as in support under Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy, with a start date of July 1, 2025. |
| Hybrid recipient-management plan | Addresses how Exchange recipients will be managed when mailboxes are in Microsoft 365 but user accounts remain managed in on-premises Active Directory. | Microsoft says at least one Exchange server must be retained in this scenario to make changes to Exchange recipients in Exchange Online. Plan the supported replacement and decommissioning sequence before removing 2016 or 2019 servers. |
Microsoft’s documented migration and upgrade choices are described in its migration guidance. Exchange Server SE’s lifecycle status is listed on Microsoft’s Exchange Server Subscription Edition lifecycle page.
If you are moving to Microsoft 365
Microsoft documents cutover, minimal hybrid, and full hybrid migration approaches for moving mailboxes, public folders, and other data. Its roadmap characterizes Microsoft 365 migration as the simplest option for retiring the existing deployment. Select the migration approach based on the organization’s needs and configuration rather than assuming one method fits every environment.
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If you are keeping Exchange on premises
Microsoft’s on-premises path is an upgrade to Exchange Server SE. Microsoft lists SE as supported under the Modern Lifecycle Policy beginning July 1, 2025. This path is intended for organizations that want to keep Exchange on premises without transferring source of authority to Microsoft 365.
Resolve hybrid recipient management before decommissioning servers
A mailbox move alone does not settle how Exchange recipients will be managed. If Microsoft Entra Connect continues synchronizing user accounts from on-premises Active Directory while mailboxes are in Exchange Online, Microsoft says at least one Exchange server must remain to make changes to Exchange recipients in the cloud.
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For that arrangement, Microsoft recommends migrating and upgrading the environment to Exchange Server SE, then decommissioning the Exchange 2016 or 2019 servers. Microsoft also describes upgrading first and using SE to carry out the migration. The important planning point is to establish the supported recipient-management arrangement before taking the old Exchange servers out of service.
What Exchange Extended Security Updates do—and do not—cover
Microsoft’s Exchange build-information page says customers enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are eligible to receive the December 2025 and later security updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. The same page advises customers not enrolled in ESU to migrate to Exchange Server SE to continue receiving the latest security updates.
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ESU is not a restoration of normal product support. Microsoft’s general ESU FAQ says the program does not extend a product’s lifecycle and does not include standard support such as troubleshooting, bug fixes, or general technical guidance. Exchange-specific ESU pricing, eligibility details, and a program end date are not established by these sources.
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- Map the current arrangement: Identify where mailboxes reside and whether on-premises Active Directory remains authoritative for user accounts and Exchange recipients.
- Choose the destination: Decide whether the organization is migrating to Microsoft 365 or keeping Exchange on premises and upgrading to SE.
- Set the recipient-management design: If accounts remain managed on premises after mailbox migration, account for Microsoft’s requirement to retain an Exchange server for Exchange Online recipient changes.
- Check the applicable servicing route: Confirm whether the organization is enrolled in ESU or should move to SE for continued security updates.
- Sequence migration and retirement: Use Microsoft’s migration guidance to plan the transition, including when the 2016 or 2019 servers can be decommissioned.
Organizations with complex hybrid environments may choose to engage qualified Exchange migration or upgrade assistance. That is an optional planning and implementation choice, not a Microsoft requirement.
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