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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-07-17 06:32:06.057
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/07/17/microsoft_extended_security_exchange_skype_server/
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Microsoft offers vintage Exchange and Skype server users six more months of security updates. It looks like enough of you are struggling to migrate that Redmond is willing to help out – for a price that might buy nothing. Microsoft has extended its security update programs for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, and Skype for Business 2015 and 2019. The software behemoth announced the extension on Wednesday in twin posts that note the aforementioned products are “going out of support in October 2025” and reveal “we have heard from some of our customers that they have started their migrations … but might need a few extra months of Security Updates (SU) for their … servers while they are finalizing their migrations.” Good old Microsoft is willing to help, with “an additional 6-month Extended Security Update” that covers any Critical-or-Important-rated security updates that appear after October 14th, 2025 – the day the products exit support. But the company hasn’t guaranteed it will publish any such updates. Nor will customers be able to learn if Microsoft issues updates by checking Windows Update or Microsoft’s downloadable patch troves. Microsoft will only let you know about patches available under the Extended Security Update if you sign up for the Extended Security Update. Doing so will cost money: Microsoft’s posts advise that chatting with its account teams is the way to get information on costs and how to purchase and receive the updates. Microsoft would not be doing this if it had not identified a significant population of customers struggling to migrate away from these products but appears to be losing patience with those users as its posts say these extended updates are a one-time offer and they will end on April 14, 2026. “This period will not be extended past April 2026 (you do not need to ask),” its posts state.
Daily Brief Summary
Microsoft announced a 6-month extension of security updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, and Skype for Business 2015 and 2019, beyond their official support ending in October 2025.
The extension allows users additional time to migrate from these older systems, acknowledging difficulties experienced by a significant customer base.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) will only cover Critical-or-Important-rated security updates that may be issued after the support end date.
Microsoft will not guarantee the release of updates during the extension and will not provide updates through regular channels like Windows Update.
Access to these extended updates will require registration and purchase, details of which can only be obtained through direct communication with Microsoft’s account teams.
Microsoft emphasized that this extension is a one-time offer and will definitely conclude on April 14, 2026, with no further extensions to be granted.