Update 7/15/2025: Added a mention of Exchange 2016/2019 ESU program.
In May 2024, we shared our Exchange Server Roadmap Update and our plans for the future of Exchange Server. Since then, we’ve bee...
Updated Aug 13, 2025
Version 17.0
Blog Post
Hey guys, I am seeing some conflicting information here between this article and the Licensing FAQ around the use of hybrid licenses. In the past hybrid servers were used for several different purposes including mailbox migrations between onprem and cloud, mgmt of onprem objects, and edge email transfer between onprem and cloud. We have hybrid inplace today that facilitates email flow between the SMTP relays onprem and cloud, and to migrate the remaining 40 onprem generic mailboxes if its deemed they can migrate.
This now states they are only for onprem mgmt, but the FAQ leaves all of that out
Will Exchange Server SE include a free license for Hybrid servers?
Yes. As with previous versions, Exchange Server SE will continue to provide free licenses for qualified hybrid use via the Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW); however, unlike previous versions, you will need to either purchase SA for this license to get Exchange Server updates or have a cloud subscription license that satisfies the requirements. Please note that the Hybrid license is for the purposes of recipient management only. If you host mailboxes or need an Edge Transport server on-premises, you still need an Exchange Server license. See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/exchange/microsoft-exchange-licensing-faq-email-for-business. Also as with Exchange 2019, you will be able to use PowerShell and the https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/manage-hybrid-exchange-recipients-with-management-tools without the need for a running Exchange Server, thereby obviating the need for any Hybrid licenses
from FAQ:
If my organization is Hybrid with Microsoft 365 and I do not host mailboxes on-premises, do I still need to license Exchange Server?
If you do not host any mailboxes on the servers used to connect to Microsoft 365 you can license them using the Microsoft 365 Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) which you can find https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2095076.The HCW validates your Microsoft 365 subscription and installs the appropriate licenses on your servers.