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Microsoft Delays Final Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Updates Until 2024

Key Takeaways:

Microsoft has delayed the release of cumulative updates (CUs) for Exchange Server 2019 until 2024.

Microsoft intends to release two cumulative updates after Exchange Server 2019 reaches end of support on January 9, 2024.

The upcoming CU14 release for Exchange Server 2019 is anticipated to include support for TLS 1.3, Extended Protection enabled by default, and more.

Microsoft has unveiled plans to postpone the rollout of new cumulative updates (CUs) for Exchange Server 2019, extending the release timeline to accommodate the upcoming Christmas holidays. The last two cumulative updates are expected to be rolled out to commercial customers after January 9, 2024.

Last year, Microsoft announced that Exchange Server cumulative updates are switching to a new biannual release schedule. These updates will be released in the first and second half of each calendar year. However, Microsoft may not strictly adhere to this schedule, as release dates will be influenced by factors like patch priorities and the quality of cumulative updates.

“Our release dates are driven by the payload and quality, and other work that might take priority, such as releasing an SU,” the Exchange team explained. “Today we are announcing that because there are less than 2 weeks remaining in November, and because we don’t release CUs in December, there won’t be an H2 2023 CU. We took a similar approach last year.”

On May 3, Microsoft rolled out the H1 2023 cumulative update (CU13) for Exchange Server 2019, which includes modern authentication support. This release also eliminates the need to back up and restore the most common configuration files manually. Microsoft notes that the upcoming CU14 release will bring support for TLS 1.3, Extended Protection enabled by default, a S/MIME control fix, and much more.

Microsoft to end mainstream support for Exchange Server 2019 in January 2024

It’s important to note that Microsoft will end support for Exchange Server 2019 on January 9, 2023. Typically, the company doesn’t release updates for products in extended support. However, Microsoft has made an exception in this instance, with plans to roll out two cumulative updates (CU14 and CU15) following the end of mainstream support in 2024.

“Using Exchange 2019 as an example, the end of mainstream support is on January 9, 2024. That’s not the deadline for the release of CUs. January 9, 2024, is the last date you can request a bug fix or a Design Change Request (DCR) and have the Exchange team consider it,” the Exchange team wrote.

Microsoft will end general support for Exchange Server 2019 on October 14, 2025. The company explained in the comments section that it will announce Exchange vNext in early 2024.