Microsoft has announced that the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will officially 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 significant development is prompting organizations to reassess their email infrastructures in terms of sustainability and vendor dependency, once again highlighting 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
