Microsoft Exchange 2016 and 2019 End of Life Happening in October 2025
Exchange 2016 and 2019 end of life is only a few months away. Read this guide and see what you have to do for a CLEAR exit.
The official announcement from Microsoft specifies that the currently active versions of Exchange Server will stop receiving updates after October 14th, 2025. We expect more such reminders from Microsoft as the expiry date of existing systems comes closer.
What Happens During the Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 End of Life
Currently and up until October 14, 2025, the Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 are in a state which is called extended support.
During this period, don’t expect any major functional or feature updates from Microsoft. This behavior is in line with the previous instances of an EOL situation.
If you have purchased a paid support package or want to purchase a paid support package, you can do that and get troubleshooting guides for specific technical problems. Moreover, if you face any critical operation failure you can request assistance as well.
Also Read: How to handle Microsoft 365 Business Price Increase
However, this would be limited, especially when compared to what was available during the Mainstream Support phase.
What’s different or unique this time is that there is no one-time purchase option for a new version transition available either in online or offline mode. Also, never before has Microsoft stopped support of two different versions of Exchange Server together. So, let us see why Microsoft has decided to do such a thing now.
Why is MS Exchange 2016 and 2019 End of Life Happening Simultaneously?
It seems a bit unusual that two major sequential releases have the same end date. Although Microaoft has not given an explicit reason why it so, we can infer the rationale behind it by examining the official statements. When we do that, the following trends emerge.
Cloud First Policy:
Microsoft’s main goal at the moment seems to be increasing the cloud consumer base.
By keeping the end date the same on both of its legacy systems(2016 & 2019), Microsoft hopes that many of its existing on-premise system users will switch to the feature-rich cloud environment.
Making way for ‘SE’:
There is no new Exchange 2025 version.
Microsoft has ended the previous style of massive version upgrades that had a fixed lifecycle.
Instead, from October 2025 a new continuously-updating subscription edition will be available as the next on-premises version.
If all current versions did not expire on the same date, then many existing customers would have resisted this new change and remained with their previous systems.
This would have resulted in a complex release cycle with multiple different teams managing the security and feature sets of all the different versions.
Better Security Posture:
Previously, the new Cumulative Updates and Security patches were optional to download and made available for free.
Also, not all organizations would keep their systems up to date, resulting in security breaches.
To combat this, Microaoft went ahead and set up a shared EOL date for all.
Moreover, it is only possible to transition to the Exchange vNext if the current on premise system is updated to the latest CU 15 version of Exchange 2019.
Organizations would either have to update to the compatible version or transition from whichever version they have now to the Cloud.
To help you decide which platform is best, check out the next section.
Where to Go After Exchange 2016 and 2019 EOL?
Admins have 3 options (or 4 if you consider maintaining the status quo a possibility). The most common destination for organizations transitioning is the cloud—Exchange Online, to be exact.
It is part of the Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise deployments where the entire email infrastructure (including contacts and calendars) moves to the cloud server.
Organizations should consider Exchange On-Premise to Online migration when they want:
A server that is always updated: This not only includes the software but hardware parts as well. Microsoft handles all the bug fixes, health checkups, security, and other critical details on its own. Organizations need not worry about constantly monitoring cyber attacks and other safety threats.
Freedom from hardware failure: A major cost multiplier for organizations is the constant updates to the hardware. Moreover, if, after the upgrade, the usage rate drops, then justifying the investments becomes difficult.
Automate compliance and regulatory burdens: Failing to keep up with user privacy and numerous security frameworks may be outside of the technical capacity of a smaller organization. So, when this is coupled with the upcoming Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, moving to the cloud is the safer approach.
One hurdle that your organization can face during an on-premise to cloud transition is the change in cost structure. You now have to pay for every user every month as long as you use the service. Although annual commitment options can reduce the cost.
Most settings and systems overlap between the on-premise and cloud environment. However, the workforce may require additional training to fully get used to the new system.
Another option outside of a cloud environment is to wait for the Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), also called vNext edition. Let’s see what are the pros and cons of taking this route.
When Support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 ends, Transition to the Subscription Edition
It is beneficial if you need local data control. The Exchange Subscription edition keeps all the emails, contacts, and calendars on the premises while offering continuous updates.
The update is also much simpler for those who already have the CU15 version of Exchange Server 2019. However, it is important to know that organizations on earlier editions won’t be able to deploy the vNext directly.
This version will also make it easier to set up a hybrid environment where data stays on-premise but users get to enjoy cloud-based services like Teams (according to what Microsoft claims)
Deciding on which platform to choose is the easy part more difficult part is how to get there. Don’t worry, we have a solution that is purpose-built for such situations.
Which is the Best Way to Make On-Premise to Cloud Transition Before EOL?
The SysTools Exchange On-Premise to Exchange Online transfer tool is the only solution you need. With this tool at their disposal, any admin can migrate many mailboxes at once. While ensuring complete data security throughout the transfer process.
You can adjust which user data migrates, which user data migrates before others, and apply date filters as well. The entire process is handled via a GUI console, maximizing user ease and minimizing complexity.
To use the tool here, follow these brief steps:
- Install tool, select Exchange (Source) & Office 365 (Destination).
- Choose data (email, etc.), apply filters.
- Enter & validate admin credentials for both platforms.
- Match source mailboxes to destination ones.
- Start the process and monitor.
Conclusion
Exchange on-premise admins are recommended to take action now. This is because the October 14, 2025 deadline for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 End of Life is closer than it appears.
Migration projects take significant time and even greater planning. The earlier you begin the transition, the better it is for your organization. All you have to do is follow this micro checklist.
- Check: Check your current environment status.
- Lay out: Lay out the migration path.
- Enable: Enable the requirements (update, upgrade, meet reqs).
- Act: Act on the migration.
- Remove: Remove the old servers.