Microsoft has released May 2025 Hotfix Updates for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, addressing non-security issues including a known Edge Transport service bug. These cumulative updates support the dedicated Exchange hybrid app and offer streamlined installation paths with helpful troubleshooting tools. Unique :
May 2025 Exchange Server Hotfix Updates: What You Need to Know
Microsoft just rolled out the May 2025 Hotfix Updates (HUs) for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. These updates target specific versions, including Exchange Server 2019 CU14 and CU15, plus Exchange Server 2016 CU23. If you’re managing on-premises Exchange environments, this update is worth your attention.
What’s New in the May 2025 Hotfix Updates?
Unlike security patches, these HUs focus on fixing non-security bugs reported in earlier releases. One critical fix addresses an issue where the Edge Transport service stops responding after installing the November 2024 Service Update (SU). This problem has been flagged as a “known issue” in recent releases, so it’s great to see it resolved.
“One of the issues addressed in this HU is Edge Transport service stops responding after installing November 2024 SU.”
Additionally, these hotfixes include support for the dedicated Exchange hybrid application introduced in April 2025. Since Exchange updates are cumulative, the May 2025 HUs bundle this support automatically.
Update Installation and Best Practices
Before installing, run the Exchange Server Health Checker script to see which updates your servers need. This tool helps identify if your environment is behind on Cumulative Updates (CUs), Service Updates (SUs), or manual steps.
Next, use the Exchange Update Wizard to guide you through your current and target CU versions. After installation, re-run the Health Checker to confirm everything is in order.
If you hit any snags during or after the update, Microsoft recommends running the SetupAssist script. For stubborn issues, check out their guides on repairing failed installations and resolving file version errors.
FAQs and Important Details
Wondering if you should install this HU after the last Security Update? While HUs are optional, they often bring handy fixes or features that could benefit your setup. Also, since updates are cumulative, you can skip older updates and install the latest one directly.
For those relying on Windows or Microsoft Update for automatic patches, note that HUs show up as optional updates and may appear with a slight delay in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
“All of Exchange updates (HUs or SUs) are cumulative. Therefore, a newer SU or HU will contain all the changes that a previous, older SU or HU has.”
Finally, if needed, these hotfixes can be uninstalled just like service updates, giving admins flexibility in managing their Exchange environments.
Wrapping Up
The May 2025 Exchange Server Hotfix Updates are solid maintenance releases that fix known issues and enhance hybrid support. Staying current ensures smoother operations and fewer headaches for Exchange admins. So, run your health checks, plan your update path, and keep your Exchange servers humming along.
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