Microsoft has announced that the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will definitely end in October 2026.
So what does this mean?
- There will be no new extension for the ESU program.
- No updates will be released for Exchange 2016 and 2019 after October 2026.
- This situation will also apply to systems already covered under Period 2 ESU.
- Microsoft is steering organizations that will continue to use Exchange in their on-premises infrastructure toward Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE).
This important development leads institutions to re-evaluate their email infrastructures in terms of sustainability and vendor lock-in, while once again highlighting the importance of the flexibility and control offered by open-source solutions.
The full announcement from Microsoft:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/reminder-exchange-2016-and-2019-esu-program-ends-in-october-2026/4539033
