Microsoft Exchange 2016 & 2019 Support Ends Soon: What Businesses Must Do Now
For years, Microsoft Exchange has been the foundation of corporate email, scheduling, and collaboration, enabling seamless communication for businesses worldwide.
For years, Microsoft Exchange has been the foundation of corporate email, scheduling, and collaboration, enabling seamless communication for businesses worldwide. Whether deployed on-premises or in hybrid environments, organizations have relied heavily on Exchange to integrate with their workflows, security protocols, and compliance policies.
However, Microsoft has confirmed that support for Exchange Server 2016 and Exchange Server 2019 will officially end on October 14, 2025. While this deadline may seem distant, businesses need to start preparing now. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, bug fixes, or technical assistance, leaving organizations exposed to security threats, compliance violations, and potential operational disruptions.
So, what does this mean for your business? This article explores the impact of Microsoft's decision, the risks of using unsupported Exchange servers, and the best migration options to ensure security, compliance, and business continuity. If you're an IT leader or business decision-maker, taking action now is crucial—delaying could leave your organization vulnerable.
Why Microsoft’s End-of-Support Deadline Matters
The discontinuation of support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 carries significant risks that businesses cannot afford to ignore.
1. Security Vulnerabilities
Without ongoing security updates, Exchange 2016 and 2019 will become prime targets for cybercriminals. Unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited to launch phishing campaigns, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, putting sensitive communications and business operations at risk.
2. No Technical Support
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide troubleshooting, patches, or assistance. This means IT teams will be left to resolve issues independently, leading to longer downtimes, costly repairs, and business disruptions.
3. Compliance Risks
Regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS require businesses to use secure, up-to-date software. Continuing to operate outdated Exchange servers could result in non-compliance penalties, audits, and legal consequences if a security incident occurs.
4. Operational Inefficiencies
Legacy software lacks modern security features, performance improvements, and integrations. Keeping Exchange 2016 or 2019 running will increase IT maintenance costs and limit business efficiency over time.
???? Important: The end-of-support deadline also affects several Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office 2016 & 2019, Outlook 2016 & 2019, Skype for Business 2016 & 2019, and Skype for Business Server 2015 & 2019.
Key Dates to Remember
Microsoft follows a two-phase support model:
- Mainstream Support – Includes feature updates, security patches, and technical assistance.
- Extended Support – Provides only security updates (no new features, bug fixes, or free support).
Once Extended Support ends on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will completely stop all updates and support, leaving Exchange 2016 and 2019 systems vulnerable.
Your Best Options: How to Future-Proof Your Email Infrastructure
Continuing to use an outdated Exchange environment isn't viable—the risks far outweigh any short-term benefits. Here are the best migration options:
1. Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (Exchange Server SE)
For organizations that need to maintain an on-premises email solution, Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) is Microsoft’s latest subscription-based option.
Things to Consider Before Migrating to Exchange SE:
✔️ Regular Updates Required: Exchange SE will require frequent upgrades, so IT teams must stay on top of maintenance.
✔️ Licensing Costs: The subscription model introduces ongoing costs for licensing and infrastructure.
✔️ No Direct Upgrade from Exchange 2016: Microsoft recommends upgrading to Exchange 2019 first before moving to Exchange SE.
???? Best for: Businesses that require an on-premises email environment due to compliance or internal security policies.
2. Migrate to Exchange Online (Microsoft 365)
For organizations ready to embrace the cloud, Microsoft 365’s Exchange Online offers a scalable, secure, and maintenance-free alternative to on-prem Exchange servers.
Key Benefits of Exchange Online:
✔️ No More Server Maintenance – Microsoft handles security updates, patches, and infrastructure management.
✔️ Built-in Security & Compliance – Includes advanced threat protection and compliance tools for GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
✔️ 99.9% Uptime & Remote Accessibility – Employees can securely access email from anywhere.
✔️ Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration – Works with Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive to enhance collaboration.
???? Challenges:
- Migration Complexity – Large-scale migrations require careful planning to minimize downtime.
- Subscription Costs – Microsoft 365 operates on a per-user licensing model.
- User Training Required – Employees may need training to adjust to new collaboration features.
???? Best for: Businesses looking to offload IT maintenance, enhance security, and improve scalability.
3. Move to Google Workspace
For businesses seeking a cost-effective cloud alternative, Google Workspace offers robust email and collaboration tools.
Google Workspace Advantages:
✔️ Lower IT Costs – No Exchange server maintenance.
✔️ Scalable Cloud Infrastructure – Google’s cloud grows with your business.
✔️ Collaboration & Productivity – Gmail, Google Drive, Meet, and Docs enable real-time teamwork.
✔️ Lower Subscription Costs – Plans range from $6–$18 per user/month, often cheaper than Microsoft 365.
???? Challenges:
- Migration Complexity – Moving from Exchange requires careful data transfer planning.
- User Adoption – Employees familiar with Outlook and Microsoft apps may need training.
- Integration Limitations – Legacy business applications may require additional configurations.
???? Best for: Organizations prioritizing cost savings, cloud-first strategies, and real-time collaboration.
Migration Planning: Steps for a Smooth Transition
???? Phase 1: Planning & Assessment
- Identify mailboxes, shared accounts, and integrations.
- Choose your migration path (Exchange SE, Microsoft 365, or Google Workspace).
- Train users and prepare for the transition.
???? Phase 2: Migration Execution
- Configure email routing (MX records) to prevent downtime.
- Sync initial user data and validate migration.
- Migrate mailboxes in batches to reduce risks.
???? Phase 3: Post-Migration & Security Optimization
- Update SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect against phishing attacks.
- Finalize security settings and compliance policies.
- Decommission old Exchange servers only after successful migration.
Secure Your Cloud Data with Backupify
Migrating to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace shifts email management to the cloud, but it doesn't eliminate data loss risks.
Under Microsoft and Google’s shared responsibility model, data protection falls on the customer—meaning accidental deletions, cyberattacks, or retention policy gaps could result in lost emails and business-critical data.
Why 40,000+ Businesses Trust Backupify:
✔️ Automated Daily Backups – Protects emails, files, and collaboration data.
✔️ Quick Recovery – Restore lost/deleted emails instantly.
✔️ Regulatory Compliance – Meets HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS retention requirements.
✔️ Cost-Efficient Archiving – Save on storage costs with long-term data protection.
Final Thoughts
With Exchange 2016 & 2019 support ending soon, businesses must act now to secure their email infrastructure. Whether upgrading to Exchange Server SE, migrating to Microsoft 365, or transitioning to Google Workspace, a well-planned migration strategy is crucial for security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
