Microsoft has confirmed that the next version of Exchange Server will be a subscription edition, known as Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE). This new version is expected to be available in early Q3 2025. This release coincides with the end of support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. In the recent announcement from May 2024, Microsoft confirmed that the Subscription Edition will be available in the early months of the third quarter of 2025.
What does this mean for Exchange Server 2019 and 2016?
Exchange Server 2019 will receive its fifteenth and final Cumulative Update (CU15) before the transition to the subscription version occurs. Microsoft has confirmed that the new SE version will be code-identical to Exchange Server 2019 CU15, with the same system requirements. The main differences will lie in the licensing agreement, the name, and the build and version numbers.
Subscription model and licensing
The subscription version will follow a model similar to that of SharePoint Server SE. This means you will need active Software Assurance (SA) to use the product, or you will need to purchase subscription licenses. If Software Assurance expires, you will retain rights to the 2019 version of the product.
Microsoft will continue to provide a free Hybrid server license and key, which will still be distributed via the Hybrid Configuration Wizard. This is a key benefit for organizations managing hybrid environments.
Release schedule and updates
Microsoft will continue with its familiar release schedule for Exchange Server SE. The company will issue a Cumulative Update twice a year. The first CU for the Subscription Edition is expected in October 2025. The hardware and system requirements for Exchange Server SE will remain the same as those for Exchange Server 2019 CU15, with the addition of support for Windows Server 2025.
Outlook and migration
For organizations considering migrating to the new Subscription Edition, Microsoft provides detailed recommendations and guidelines. You can find the announcement article with migration guidelines here: Exchange Server Roadmap Update.
If you have licensing-related questions or need support with Microsoft contract negotiations, please feel free to contact us for expert and independent advice.