How to Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition

How to Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition

If you are looking for how to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition, then this article is the best fit for you

As you already know that Microsoft has released its new on-premises Exchange Version, Exchange Server SE in July 2025

By upgrading your current Exchange to SE Version, you are in Microsoft’s commitment to supporting across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

It is recommended for all Exchange users to upgrade to the latest version of Exchange SE.

In this post, we will see how the new Exchange SE can coexist with older versions of Exchange.

Therefore, we will also see the upgrade path to Exchange SE, along with supported operating systems.

Moreover, we will also see the licensing model for the new Exchange Server Subscription Edition.

Exchange Server Subscription Edition SE

Right now, Microsoft has released the RTM Version of Exchange, which shares the same code as Exchange 2019 CU15.

As of now, you can say there is no new feature available in Exchange Server SE.

However, the difference is just about the name changed to Exchange Server SE, and the change is the server version and build number.

No Active Directory Schema update is required to update to Exchange 2025 SE RTM Edition.

Therefore, no new license key is required to install the Exchange Server Subscription edition.

New version for Exchange Server SE RTM is 15.02.2562.017

Microsoft has planned to integrate new feature changes in Exchange Server SE CU1 or CU2 onwards.

Support Operating System for Exchange Server 2025 SE Edition

You can install Exchange Server 2025 SE on the following OS

• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2025

Therefore, the System requirements and Prerequisites for Exchange Server SE are the same as those of Exchange 2019 Prerequisites

Why Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition SE

By upgrading to the new Microsoft Exchange Subscription Edition, your servers will be on the support path to Exchange SE CU1 and later.

Therefore, all the older versions of Exchange will be out of support once Microsoft releases Exchange SE CU2.

So, it is necessary to upgrade it to lie in the supported path of Microsoft.

Exchange SE Coexistence with Older Version of Exchange

If you are running Exchange 2013 with any CU, you can coexist up to Exchange 2019 CU13.

However, you can coexist with Exchange 2019 CU 14 as well, but it’s not supported by Microsoft.

If you are running Exchange 2016 CU 23, you can coexist with Exchange 2019 CU14, CU15

Also, you can coexist with Exchange SE RTM/CU1, but it’s not supported.

Therefore, if you are running Exchange 2019 CU 14/15, yes, you can coexist with Exchange SE RTM and CU1

Note: After releasing Exchange SE CU2, none of the old Exchange 2013, 2016, and 2019 versions can coexist in the same environment.

How to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition

There are two methods to upgrade from the old Exchange to the new Exchange Server SE Edition.

One is a Legacy Upgrade, and another is an in-place upgrade. Let’s break it.

If you are running Exchange 2016 CU 23, then you have to opt Legacy Upgrade.

Legacy upgrade is a traditional way of upgrading, where you introduce a new server and move all mailboxes, connectors, and other settings to the new Exchange.

You can say it’s a kind of Migration you have to do.

Therefore, if you are running Exchange 2019 CU14/15, you have a new option to upgrade as an in-place upgrade.

It means, just installing a new version of Exchange as a CU update to Exchange 2019 CU 14/15

Moreover, if you are on Exchange 2013, then first you have to perform a legacy upgrade to reach up to Exchange 2019 CU 14/15.

After that, you can do an in-place upgrade.

Note: If you want to move Exchange SE to a new OS, then you still have to perform the migration also; no rollback is supported if the Active Directory Schema is upgraded from Exchange 2019 CU 14.

Exchange Server 2025 SE Licensing Model

Exchange 2025 works on a subscription model only – No lifetime Permanent licenses

You may need a Microsoft volume license with active software assurance.

Old one-time licenses won’t work anymore

So, stay subscribed to keep getting updates, support, and new features.

Conclusion

As Microsoft recommends all Exchange users to upgrade to the new Exchange SE, so that you can be in the new support life cycle.

Good to upgrade to the new version if you need new features and security updates.

Get New Exchange Subscription Edition SE Download link 

You may also like some other Microsoft Exchange Tutorials

If you need any help in upgrading your current Exchange to the latest Version of Exchange SE.

Feel free to get in touch at info@techijack.com

To see in action how to upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition, watch the YouTube video below.