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
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Can you clarify what "other" cloud subs satisfy the licensing requirements for Exchange SE? I cannot find documentation anywhere. Does Exchange Online Plan 1 or Plan 2 give them full SE rights?
Other cloud subscription licenses besides Microsoft 365 E3/E5 also satisfy, but we’re calling E3/E5 out because they include Extended Use Rights that provide an unlimited number of Office Server licenses at no additional charge (see the https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/productoffering/Microsoft365/EAEAS for full details).
If you don't buy cloud subscription licenses, then Server licenses and CALs you buy must have Software Assurance.
To summarize your licensing options (choose one):
- Qualifying cloud subscription licenses for users (for example, Microsoft 365 E3/E5) If you go this route, all users that access Exchange Server SE must have an E3 or E5 license.