Exchange Server Roadmap Update

We bring you information about the Microsoft Exchange Server product roadmap. Here's what you can expect:

• The last cumulative update (CU) for Exchange Server 2019 - 2024 H2 CU aka CU15 will be released later this year and Exchange 2019 will not receive an ESU or extended end-of-life.
• Exchange Server Subscription Edition (Exchange Server SE) will be released early in the third quarter of calendar year 2025.
• The first CU for Exchange Server SE - CU1 - will be released in late 2025.

If you are planning to migrate to from Exchange Server 2013/2016 to 2019, consult us, so that we can offer our on-premise solution, so you can save money during the transition period.

Exchange Server 2019 CU15 Update

The upcoming CU15 update for Exchange Server 2019 will introduce several new features and changes, particularly to support the RTM version of Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE).

New features in CU15

• Support for TLS 1.3 
  TLS 1.3 enhances security by removing outdated cryptographic algorithms and improving overall security measures.
• Re-established Enhanced Certificate Management in the Exchange Administration Center (EAC) 
  Administrators will be able to: 
  - Create new certificate requests 
  - Complete requests upon receiving certificates from providers 
  - Export certificates as PFX files 
  - Import certificates from PFX files

Changes to Support Exchange Server Subscription Edition

• End of Support for Exchange 2013 Coexistence 
  With the expiration of Exchange 2013, and the lack of support for its coexistence with Exchange Server SE, Microsoft will remove support for Exchange 2013 in this update. Customers must remove Exchange 2013 servers before installing Exchange 2019 CU15 or Exchange Server SE RTM. If Exchange 2013 is detected, the installation will halt with an error message. 
• Support for New Product Keys 
  CU15 introduces support for new product keys required for various server roles, except hybrid servers, which will continue to receive free licenses and product keys via the Hybrid Server Configuration Wizard. 
• Support for Windows Server 2025 
  Exchange 2019 currently supports Windows Server 2019 and 2022. CU15 will add support for Windows Server 2025 once it reaches general availability later this year.

Additional Changes in CU15

• Update of the Visual C++ redistributable to the version included with Visual Studio 2022 
• Removal of support for UCMA 6.0 and the instant messaging feature in Outlook on the web 
• The Setup process will no longer install the Windows MSMQ component 
• Improvements in Exchange Server AMSI integration 
• Addition of PDF files to Exchange Server CBC encryption support

Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE)

The new Exchange Server SE will be available for download from the Microsoft 365 Management Center starting in the third quarter of 2025. Its licensing model, similar to the SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, will require prepaid licenses or active Software Assurance for server and user licenses. A free license and key for hybrid servers will still be distributed via the Hybrid Server Configuration Wizard.

Hardware and OS Requirements

The requirements for Exchange Server SE will be identical to those for Exchange 2019 CU15, including support for Windows Server 2025.

Active Directory Compatibility

The RTM release of Exchange Server SE will not require changes to Active Directory beyond those already made for Exchange Server 2019. It will continue to support the Windows Server 2012 R2 functional domain level.

Support and Lifecycle

Exchange Server SE will follow a modern lifecycle support policy.

Release details

To facilitate quick adoption, the RTM version of Exchange Server SE will be identical in code to Exchange Server 2019 CU15, with the following exceptions: 

• Updated license agreement displayed in the graphical Setup tool 
• Renaming from Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 to Microsoft Exchange Server Subscription Edition 
• Updated build and version numbers

Upgrade Paths to Exchange Server SE

• In-place upgrade
  The simplest method for upgrading from Exchange Server 2019 to SE is an in-place upgrade, akin to installing a CU. Post-upgrade, SE will follow a semi-annual CU release cadence.

• Legacy upgrade
  For older versions (e.g., Exchange 2013/2016), a legacy upgrade involves setting up a new infrastructure and migrating namespaces and mailboxes. This method is also useful when replacing server hardware or upgrading to a newer Windows Server version. Organizations currently on Exchange 2013/2016 should perform a legacy upgrade to Exchange 2019 now to enable a seamless in-place upgrade to Exchange Server SE later.

By taking these steps, organizations can ensure a smooth transition to Exchange Server SE while maintaining on-premise capabilities.

Contact us if you are planning a change

If you're currently using Exchange Server 2013 or Exchange Server 2016, which will no longer be supported, and you're planning to migrate to Exchange Server 2019, we'd be happy to help you make the change. Not only will you be ready for a one-click upgrade to the next version, but with our on-premise solution, which is less expensive than a subscription, you can save money during the transition period before your planned move to an SE solution.

Ask us today about the options we offer.