Microsoft has extended support for Exchange 2016. However, the end date of this support is fast approaching.
Recently, Exchange 2016 users were once again reminded of the ending support. This will expire on Oct. 14, 2025. For those who could not take advantage of the extended support period, the end was already there in October 2020.
Microsoft is offering administrators tips on how to move away from outdated servers. “If you plan to stay on-premises, we recommend moving to Exchange 2019 as soon as possible. Only Exchange 2019 will support in-place upgrades to Exchange SE, marking the first time in many years that you can perform an in-place upgrade on any Exchange release,” the message advises.
Planning ahead
In preparation for the switch, it is advised to create a list of all applications that use Exchange 2016 servers. This is because the applications on this list will first need to be configured to use the newer Exchange Server infrastructure.
Further tips are shared to avoid getting into trouble after the migration. For example, the company recommends putting the outdated servers in maintenance mode for another week after the migration. Should problems still crop up with the new version or important applications have not yet been converted, administrators have not yet burned their bridges.
End of support for Exchange 2019
Administrators should switch to a new Exchange version again one year later. The extended support period for Exchange 2019 will end on Oct. 14, 2025, and the standard period ended in January 2024. The guidance is, therefore, only suitable for companies that have already installed Exchange 2019; in other cases, a newer version is recommended.
Also read: Microsoft will make IPv6 standard for Exchange Online later this year