● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact
Microsoft to end security updates for Exchange 2016/2019 in October 2026
Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 in October 2026, as confirmed in a recent blog post. IT administrators are encouraged to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition to maintain support and receive future updates.
Key points
- Exchange 2016/2019 ESU program ends October 2026
- Microsoft advises upgrades to Subscription Edition
- No further extensions will be offered
End of Support Timeline
Microsoft has announced that it will stop supplying security updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 as of October 2026. This decision follows a six-month extension of the Extended Security Update (ESU) program that began in 2020 after the servers reached their end of support dates.
Support for Older Versions
Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 have been under the ESU program since October 2020, with mainstream support for Exchange 2019 ending in January 2024. Microsoft emphasized that there will be no further extensions after October 2026, despite previous discussions on possible continuations.
Upgrade Recommendations for IT Admins
IT administrators are advised to migrate to Exchange Server Subscription Edition, which allows for in-place upgrades from Exchange 2019. For those still running Exchange 2016 or 2013, directly upgrading to Exchange Server SE or installing Exchange 2019 first is recommended. Microsoft provides detailed migration guidance on their documentation site.
Context of Recent Changes
Earlier in June 2023, Microsoft extended the free Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 for an additional year, while also announcing that Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 would enter extended support but continue to receive security updates. These announcements follow ongoing adjustments to Microsoft's support strategies across various product lines.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 in October 2026, as confirmed in a recent blog post. IT administrators are encouraged to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition to maintain support and receive future updates.