If you’re still running Microsoft Exchange 2016 or 2019, big changes are coming your way. Microsoft has confirmed that both versions will hit end of support on October 14th, 2025, meaning no more security updates or fixes. That date might feel far off, but in IT terms it’s right around the corner.
In this post, we’ll explain what “end of support” really means, the key deadlines you need to keep in mind, and the practical steps you can take now to prepare. Whether you’re on Exchange 2016 or 2019, we’ll walk you through your upgrade options and clear up some of the confusion around the new Exchange SE release.
When Microsoft announces the end of support for a product, it’s not just a formality. It means:
No new security updates for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
No bug fixes or patches if things break.
Potential issues with compliance if you’re in a regulated industry.
Increasing risks with email reliability and third-party integrations.
For IT teams, this isn’t something to ignore. Unsupported software becomes a prime target for all types of cyber attacks, and it gets harder to keep everything else working smoothly as surrounding systems move on.
The date to circle in your calendar is October 14th, 2025. That’s when both Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 will officially reach end of life, with security updates and fixes coming to a complete stop.
Notably, Exchange 2019’s mainstream support already ended on January 9, 2024, and Exchange 2016’s mainstream support wrapped up in October 2020—yet both versions share the same extended support endpoint in 2025.
The bottom line: the deadline is locked in, and there’s no indication of further extensions. Mark the date now and start planning early to avoid disruption.
With the end-of-support date confirmed, the next step is knowing where you stand and how to move forward:
Still on Exchange 2016?
You can’t upgrade directly to Exchange SE. The first step is moving to Exchange 2019, and from there you can make the jump to Exchange SE.
Already on Exchange 2019?
You’re in a stronger position—you’ll be able to perform an in-place upgrade straight to Exchange SE.
Some organisations are also taking this opportunity to rethink whether to stay on-premises at all. Migrating to Exchange Online as part of Microsoft 365 is an option that removes future end-of-support headaches and simplifies ongoing management.
We hear a few worries on repeat when it comes to Exchange migrations:
“We’ll be fine if we just hang onto 2016 a bit longer.”
Not really—without updates, you’re leaving your environment exposed.
“We don’t have the budget right now.”
Delaying only increases costs later, especially if you end up paying emergency rates for rushed work.
“The upgrade sounds too complicated.”
Yes, there are steps to plan carefully—but with the right migration partner, it can be structured, tested, and low-stress.
Waiting until October will put you in the same boat as everyone else scrambling for help. Acting now gives you:
More time to test and validate before going live.
A smoother transition for staff with fewer disruptions.
Better licensing and cost control by avoiding last-minute fees.
Bottom line: the sooner you start planning, the easier and safer your migration will be.
The Microsoft Exchange 2016 and 2019 end of support date is locked in for October 14th, 2025. If you’re on Exchange 2016, you’ll need to step up to 2019 before making the jump to SE. If you’re already on 2019, you can upgrade in-place.
It’s worth noting that Windows 10 support also ends on the very same date. October 2025 is shaping up to be a big moment for IT teams, with both desktops and email servers needing attention. If your organisation is still running Windows 10, check out our blog on Windows 10 End of Support: What Businesses Need to Know for the full picture.
Whether it’s your Exchange environment or your fleet of PCs, planning ahead will save you headaches and costs down the track. Don’t leave it until the last minute – reach out to our team for guidance on mapping out your migration strategy and keeping things running smoothly.
Got questions, ideas, or just want to chat? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us anytime, and we'll get back to you with all the help and information you need.
