Exchange Server 2016 & 2019 end of life: what you need to know
Posted on March 13, 2025 by Louise Howland
Microsoft has announced that Exchange Server 2016 and Exchange Server 2019 will reach end of life on October 14, 2025. If your organisation is still relying on these versions, now is the time to start planning your next steps.
Once these versions reach end of support, Microsoft will no longer provide the critical support that businesses often take for granted. If something goes wrong, there won’t be anyone at Microsoft to help troubleshoot issues. Bug fixes will stop, meaning that any problems affecting server stability or usability will remain unresolved. Perhaps most concerningly, security patches will cease, making your system an easy target for cybercriminals who actively look for vulnerabilities in outdated software. Even time zone updates will no longer be provided, which may sound minor but can cause scheduling issues in organisations that operate across different regions.
What are the risks of staying on an unsupported version?
Continuing to run Exchange Server 2016 or 2019 after the end-of-life date comes with serious risks. Without security updates, your IT environment is left exposed, much like leaving the doors to your office unlocked overnight. Hackers actively target outdated systems, knowing they have weak spots that will never be patched. Beyond security concerns, compliance is another major issue. If your business operates under strict regulations, running unsupported software can lead to compliance failures, potentially resulting in fines or reputational damage. Additionally, functionality will degrade over time, older systems struggle to integrate with modern tools, which can lead to slowdowns, lost productivity, and frustration for your team.
What should you do next?
The best course of action is to migrate to the cloud before support ends. Moving to Microsoft 365 or Exchange Online ensures you remain secure and compliant while benefiting from modern features. Here’s why migrating now is the best choice:
- Automatic security updates: You’re always protected against the latest threats without needing to apply manual patches.
- Access to advanced AI-powered tools: Improve workflows and collaboration with cloud-based features that aren’t available on on-premises Exchange servers.
- Reduced IT overhead: Say goodbye to costly hardware maintenance and time-consuming manual updates.
- Improved compliance and security: Cloud solutions help meet industry regulations and ensure your data remains protected.
- Scalability and flexibility: Easily adapt to business growth and changes without the constraints of physical infrastructure.
Need help with migration?
Transitioning from on-premises Exchange to the cloud can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At ramsac, we specialise in seamless Exchange migrations, ensuring minimal disruption to your business. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, making sure your data is securely transferred and your employees experience a smooth transition.
Get in touch today to discuss your migration options and future-proof your IT environment.
How can we help you?
We’d love to talk to you about your specific IT needs, and we’d be happy to offer a no obligation assessment of your current IT set up. Whether you are at a point of organisational change, unsure about security, or just want to sanity check your current IT arrangements, we’re here to help.
