Before deploying a Software Exchange Server, particularly for your business communications, understanding the system requirements is paramount. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the prerequisites for installing and running Microsoft Exchange Server, focusing on both Exchange Server 2019 and Exchange Server 2016. Ensuring your infrastructure meets these specifications is crucial for a smooth deployment, optimal performance, and to avoid potential issues down the line.
This guide is designed to help IT professionals and decision-makers understand the necessary network configurations, hardware, software, and client compatibility for a successful software exchange server implementation. We will delve into the specifics of each component, providing a clear roadmap to prepare your environment for Exchange Server.
To proceed with the installation of your software exchange server, refer to the detailed deployment guide: Deploy new installations of Exchange.
Coexistence Scenarios for Different Exchange Server Versions
When considering an upgrade or integration, understanding the coexistence capabilities of your software exchange server is vital. Here’s a breakdown of supported coexistence scenarios:
Exchange Server 2019 Coexistence:
| Exchange Version | Exchange 2019 Organization Coexistence |
|---|---|
| Exchange 2016 | Supported with Exchange 2016 CU11 or later on all Exchange 2016 servers within the organization, including Edge Transport servers. |
Exchange Server 2016 Coexistence:
| Exchange Version | Exchange 2016 Organization Coexistence |
|---|---|
| Earlier versions | No earlier supported versions of Exchange Server can coexist with Exchange Server 2016. |
These tables highlight the importance of version compatibility when integrating or upgrading your software exchange server environment.
Hybrid Deployment Scenarios with Microsoft 365
Modern software exchange server deployments often involve hybrid environments, integrating on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. Both Exchange Server 2019 and Exchange Server 2016 seamlessly support hybrid deployments with Microsoft 365 organizations.
For detailed information on setting up hybrid deployments, consult the Hybrid Deployment Prerequisites. This documentation provides essential guidance for connecting your on-premises software exchange server with Microsoft 365 cloud services.
Network and Directory Server Prerequisites
The network and directory server infrastructure form the backbone of your software exchange server. Meeting these requirements is non-negotiable for stable and efficient operation.
Network and Directory Server Requirements for Exchange 2019 & 2016:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Domain Controllers | All domain controllers within the forest must operate on supported Windows Server versions. Refer to the Exchange Server supportability matrix for a comprehensive list of compatible domain controller operating systems. |
| Active Directory Forest | The forest functional level must be within the supported range. Consult the Exchange Server supportability matrix for a detailed list of supported forest functional levels. |
| Active Directory Site | The Active Directory site designated for your software exchange server installation must include at least one writable domain controller that also serves as a global catalog server. Installation will fail without this. Furthermore, removing the domain controller post-installation is not supported. |
| DNS Namespace | Exchange Server supports various DNS namespaces, including: – Contiguous – Noncontiguous – Single label domains – Disjoint For in-depth information on supported DNS namespaces, see KB2269838. |
| IPv6 Support | IPv6 is supported only when IPv4 is also enabled on the Exchange server. In a dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) network, Exchange servers can communicate with devices, servers, and clients utilizing IPv6 addresses. Further details are available in IPv6 Support in Exchange 2013. |
Directory Server Architecture Recommendations
For optimal performance of your software exchange server, leveraging 64-bit Active Directory domain controllers running on a 64-bit version of Windows Server is highly recommended. This architecture significantly enhances directory service performance, crucial for Exchange Server operations.
Best Practices: Avoiding Exchange Server Installation on Directory Servers
For both security and performance reasons, installing your software exchange server directly on Active Directory servers is strongly discouraged. It is best practice to install Exchange Server exclusively on member servers.
To understand the potential issues associated with installing Exchange on a directory server, review: Installing Exchange on a domain controller is not recommended [WarningInstallExchangeRolesOnDomainController]. Changing server roles after Exchange installation (from member server to directory server or vice-versa) is not a supported configuration.
Hardware Requirements for Exchange Server
Appropriate hardware is foundational for the performance and reliability of your software exchange server. Here are the minimum hardware requirements for Exchange Server 2019 and 2016:
For deployments in virtualized environments, refer to Exchange Server virtualization for specific guidance and best practices.
Hardware Requirements for Exchange Server 2019:
| Component | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit processors: – Intel processor supporting Intel 64 architecture (formerly Intel EM64T). – AMD processor supporting the AMD64 platform. Notes: – Intel Itanium IA64 processors are not supported. – Recommended supported processor sockets are up to 2 on physical machines. | Consult the Supported operating systems for Exchange 2019 section for operating system compatibility. |
| Memory | Varies by Exchange server role: – Mailbox: 128 GB minimum recommended – Edge Transport: 64 GB minimum recommended. | Exchange 2019 supports large memory configurations (up to 256 GB). |
| Paging File Size | Set the paging file minimum and maximum value to the same size: 25% of installed memory. | None |
| Disk Space | – Minimum 30 GB free space on the installation drive. – Minimum 200 MB free space on the system drive. – Minimum 500 MB free space on the drive hosting the message queue database. | None |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA) or higher | None |
| File System | NTFS: Required for partitions containing: – System partition. – Exchange binaries. – Exchange diagnostic logging files. – Transport database files (mail queue database). ReFS: Supported for partitions containing: – Mailbox databases. – Transaction logs. – Transport database files (mail queue database). | None |
Hardware Requirements for Exchange Server 2016:
| Component | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit processors: – Intel processor supporting Intel 64 architecture (formerly Intel EM64T). – AMD processor supporting the AMD64 platform. Note: Intel Itanium IA64 processors are not supported. | For sizing guidance, see Sizing Exchange 2016 Deployments. Refer to Supported operating systems for Exchange 2016 for operating system compatibility. |
| Memory | Varies by Exchange server role: – Mailbox: 8 GB minimum. – Edge Transport: 4 GB minimum. | For sizing guidance, see Sizing Exchange 2016 Deployments. |
| Paging File Size | Set the paging file minimum and maximum value to the same size: – Less than 32 GB RAM: Physical RAM + 10 MB, up to 32 GB (32,778MB). – 32 GB or more RAM: 32 GB + 10 MB (32,778MB) | None |
| Disk Space | – Minimum 30 GB free space on the installation drive, plus 500 MB per Unified Messaging (UM) language pack. – Minimum 200 MB free space on the System drive. – Minimum 500 MB free space on the message queue database drive. | For sizing guidance, see Sizing Exchange 2016 Deployments. |
| Drive | DVD-ROM drive, local or network accessible. | None |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA) or higher | None |
| File Format | NTFS: Required for partitions containing: – System partition. – Exchange binaries. – Exchange diagnostic logging files. – Transport database files (mail queue database). ReFS: Supported for partitions containing: – Mailbox databases. – Transaction logs. – Content indexing files. | None |
Supported Operating Systems for Exchange Server
The choice of operating system is critical for your software exchange server. Ensure you use a supported version for your chosen Exchange Server edition.
Supported Operating Systems for Exchange Server 2019 & 2016:
For a comprehensive list of supported operating systems, refer to the Exchange Server supportability matrix.
Important Note for Exchange Server 2016: Installation on Windows Server Core or Nano Server is not supported. The Windows Server Desktop Experience feature is mandatory.
- Windows Server 2012 & 2012 R2: Use PowerShell command:
Install-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Mgmt-Infra,Server-Gui-Shell -Restart - Windows Server 2016: Select the Desktop Experience installation option during Windows Server setup. Reinstallation with Desktop Experience is required if starting from Windows Server 2016 Core mode.
PowerShell Version Compatibility
For your software exchange server, use the PowerShell version included with the Windows Server release it’s installed on. Do not install standalone Windows Management Framework (WMF) or PowerShell downloads on Exchange servers.
Restrictions on Installing Other Software
Installing Office client or other server software (like SharePoint, Skype for Business, Office Online Server, Project Server) on Exchange servers is not supported. Any additional software must be explicitly designed to coexist with Exchange Server.
.NET Framework Requirements
Using the latest supported .NET Framework version is recommended for your software exchange server.
Supported .NET Framework Versions:
A detailed list of supported .NET Framework versions is available in the Exchange Server supportability matrix.
Supported Email Clients
Ensure your email clients are compatible with your software exchange server for seamless communication.
Supported Clients:
Refer to the Exchange Server supportability matrix for a comprehensive list of supported email clients. Always use the latest updates for optimal compatibility and security.
Lync/Skype For Business Integration
For organizations utilizing Lync or Skype for Business for presence and instant messaging integration with their software exchange server, specific cumulative update versions are required:
- Lync Server Integration: Lync Server 2013 Cumulative Update 10 or later is required.
- Skype for Business Integration: Skype for Business Server Cumulative Update 7 or later is required.
Third-Party Clients
Exchange Server supports standard protocols and APIs that enable third-party client development.
Important Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no warranties regarding the suitability, fitness, compatibility, or security of third-party clients. Thorough testing and review are recommended before deploying third-party clients in an enterprise environment. Ensure the third-party vendor offers a suitable Enterprise Support Agreement (ESA).
By carefully reviewing and meeting these system requirements, you can ensure a robust and efficient software exchange server environment, optimized for your organization’s communication needs.
