Migration is essential for organizations using Microsoft Exchange Server, a widely-used email and collaboration platform. Updates like Exchange 2019 bring better features and stronger security. Exchange 2013 to 2019 Migration helps businesses stay competitive and maintain a secure email system.

This guide will walk you through the Exchange 2013 to 2019 migration process. It ensures a smooth transition and minimizes disruptions. Get ready to explore best practices for a successful migration.

In this article

Overview of Microsoft Exchange 2013 and 2019

Microsoft Exchange Server helps manage emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks. Exchange 2013, from 2012, had upgrades like better Outlook Web App (OWA) and performance. But now, there's Exchange 2019, with even more features:

  • Includes advanced security features such as support for modern authentication protocols, data loss prevention (DLP) policies, and improved anti-malware scanning capabilities.
  • Offers improved search capabilities, and faster database recovery times.
  • Integrates better with other Microsoft 365 services, such as Teams and SharePoint.
  • Exchange 2019 introduces a more streamlined administration experience with a modern management console.

With these advancements, organizations can benefit from improved productivity. It promotes better collaboration and enhanced security with upgrade.

Preparing for the Migration: Exchange 2013 to 2019 Upgrade Prerequisites

Before you start moving from Exchange 2013 to 2019, make sure your setup meets all the needed requirements. Here's what to check:

  • 💻Hardware and Software Requirements: Ensure that your servers meet the minimum hardware and software requirements for Exchange 2019. This includes CPU, RAM, disk space, and operating system compatibility.
  • 🙆Active Directory Environment: Verify that your Active Directory environment is properly configured and meets the requirements for Exchange 2019. This includes domain functional levels, schema updates, and permissions.
  • 📥Mailbox Size and Database Considerations: Assess the size of your mailboxes and databases to ensure they can be migrated smoothly. Large mailboxes or databases may require additional planning and resources.
  • 👀Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan: Implement a robust backup and disaster recovery plan to safeguard your data during the migration process. This will ensure that you can recover from any potential issues or data loss.

By getting everything in your setup ready and tackling these must-do tasks beforehand, you can lower the chances of problems. This will make switching from Exchange 2013 to 2019 a whole lot easier.

Migrate Exchange 2013 to 2019 Step by Step: 2 Effective Methods

There are two main methods to migrate exchange 2013 to 2019:

Method 1: Use the Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool to Upgrade Exchange 2013 to 2019

The Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool is a complete, automated tool. It is made to streamline the move from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019. This reduces the risk of errors and cuts downtime.

Another perk of using the Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool is that if interruptions occur, the migration can resume from where it left off. This helps in minimizing data loss. Additionally, it also offers comprehensive reporting and logging features that provide detailed tracking and a record of the entire migration process.

Here are the steps to begin the Exchange 2013 to 2019 migration process using Shoviv:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Shoviv Exchange Migrator tool. Install and launch the Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool on your PC.

Step 2: Switch to the "Source Connection" tab to establish a connection with the Exchange Server.

shoviv exchange migrator

Step 3: Now choose "Other Exchange Server" and enter the server details. Input your Exchange Server User Name and Password to connect. Hit OK to proceed.

shoviv exchange wizard

Step 4: The next step is to connect with the target. Pick the Global Office 365 option. The next step is to connect with the target using the Modern Authentication (Auto-registration) option.

enable modern authentication

Step 5: Click on "Migration Job" to create a new job. Choose between Primary mailbox, Archive mailbox, or Public Folder, then click OK.

select default mailbox

Step 6: Name your Job, add the source project (connected Exchange 2019), and review the mailbox list. Add the Target Project (connected Exchange 2019) and click Next.

enter job name

Step 7: Map the source mailboxes with the target and select the mailbox type (Primary/Archive or Public Folder). Click Next.

map the mailbox

Step 8: Apply any necessary filters and click Next.

apply inclusion exclusion filters

Step 9: Adjust settings as needed for the task. Choose whether to run the job immediately or schedule it for later. You can do so with the help of the Job Run Action option.

set job run action

Step 10: Review all migration job settings. If satisfied, click Finish to start the migration job. To edit the job, click Back.

preview details shoviv migrator

Follow these steps for a smooth migration and upgrade from Exchange 2013 to 2019. It's recommended to use the free Shoviv Exchange Migration tool to explore its capabilities. Shoviv Migrator Tool offers a professional way to easily upgrade Exchange 2013 to 2019.

Method 2: Manual Simple Steps To Migrate Exchange 2013 To 2019 Step By Step

The Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool is automated and streamlined. However, some organizations may prefer a manual migration for more control or specific customization.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for manually migrating from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019:

Installing Exchange 2019

Before you can migrate from Exchange 2013 to 2019, you need to install the new Exchange 2019 server in your environment. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify that your server meets the hardware and software requirements for Exchange 2019. Download the Exchange 2019 installation media from the Microsoft website.

download exchange 2019

Step 2: Run the Exchange 2019 setup wizard and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Configure the Virtual Directories

After installing Exchange 2019, you need to configure the virtual directories to ensure proper client access and functionality. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) on the Exchange 2019 server. Navigate to "Servers" > "Virtual Directories" and select the appropriate server.

configure virtual directory

Step 2: Configure the virtual directories for Outlook Web App (OWA), Exchange Admin Center (EAC), and Exchange Control Panel (ECP) by setting the appropriate authentication methods, SSL settings, and other configurations.

Export your SSL certificate on Exchange 2013

To maintain secure communication and ensure a smooth transition, you need to export the SSL certificate from your Exchange 2013 server and import it into the Exchange 2019 server.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Exchange Admin Center on your PC. Switch to the "Servers" section from the left menu pane and then click on "Certificates".

export certificates

Step 2: Locate the SSL certificate that you want to export from Exchange 2013. Select the SSL certificate by clicking on it. Click on the "Export" option. This will initiate the export wizard.

export exchange certificate

Step 3: In the export wizard, choose the option to export the certificate with its private key.

enter certificate key

Step 4: Click "Finish" to complete the export process.

License the Server

Before you can migrate mailboxes from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019, you need to license the Exchange 2019 server. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) on the Exchange 2019 server. Navigate to the "Servers" section from the left menu pane. Select the "Enter Product Key" option placed on the right.

license the server

Step 2: Switch to the "General" tab and then enter the key in the Product ID section. Hit on "Save" when done.

Migrate mailboxes from 2013 to 2019

Once you have installed and configured Exchange 2019, and licensed the server, you can proceed with migrating the mailboxes from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) on the Exchange 2019 server. Navigate to "Recipients" > "Migration". Click on the "New" icon (+) to create a new migration batch.

migrate mailbox

Step 2: Select the "Move to a different database" option and click "Next". Enter the details of your Exchange 2013 server, such as the server name or IP address, and provide the appropriate credentials.

Step 3: Select the mailboxes you want to migrate or choose the entire mailbox database. Review the migration settings and click "Start" to initiate the migration process.

icon note
Note: The migration process can take some time, depending on the number of mailboxes and the size of the data being transferred. It is recommended to perform the migration during off-peak hours or schedule it for a time when the impact on users is minimal.

Troubleshooting: Lost Files During Exchange Migration?

Despite careful planning and execution, data loss can sometimes occur during the exchange migration process. So, if you encounter any lost or corrupted files after migrating from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019, don't worry. You can use a powerful data recovery tool like Wondershare Recoverit to restore your lost data.

Wondershare Recoverit is an ultimate data recovery expert that can recover lost or deleted files, emails, contacts, calendars, and other Exchange data from various storage devices, including hard drives, external drives, and even damaged or formatted partitions. It easily finds and brings back your lost data from crashed computers or broken hard drives. Whether it's precious memories or important work stuff, Recoverit can rescue it.

Free Download
Free Download

Here's how you can use Wondershare Recoverit to recover lost files during the Exchange migration:

Step 1: Head to Wondershare Recoverit's official website. Install Recoverit on a Windows computer. Launch the software on your PC. From the main interface, select the location where you want to recover data like a hard drive, external drive, or removable media.

wondershare recoverit interface

Step 2: Once you've selected the drive, Recoverit will thoroughly scan the selected drive to look for lost and deleted files such as Emails, Contacts, Calendars, or specific file formats like .pst or .ost.

scanning recovery process

Step 3: Once the scan is complete, preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore. Click "Recover" to save the recovered files to a safe location on your computer or an external storage device.

preview and save files

By using Wondershare Recoverit, you can quickly and easily recover any lost or corrupted data during the Exchange 2013 to 2019 migration process, ensuring that no critical information is lost.

Conclusion

Migrating from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019 is a critical step for organizations seeking to leverage the latest features, improved security, and enhanced performance offered by Microsoft's latest email and calendaring platform. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful migration process, minimizing potential risks and disruptions.

Whether you choose to use the Shoviv Exchange Migration Tool or follow the manual migration steps, it is essential to carefully plan and prepare your environment, address any prerequisites, and closely monitor the process to migrate exchange server 2013 to 2019

Remember, the migration process from Exchange 2013 to Exchange 2019 is not just about upgrading to a newer version; it's about future-proofing your organization's email and collaboration infrastructure.

FAQ

  • How to decommission Exchange 2013 after migration to 2019?
    After successfully migrating all mailboxes and data to Exchange 2019, you can decommission the Exchange 2013 server by following these steps:
    1. Remove the Exchange 2013 server from the Exchange organization.
    2. Uninstall Exchange 2013 from the server.
    3. Remove any remaining Exchange 2013 databases or components.
    4. Update DNS records and client configurations to point to the Exchange 2019 server.
  • Does Outlook 2013 work with Exchange 2019?
    Yes, Outlook 2013 is compatible with Exchange 2019. However, Microsoft recommends using the latest version of Outlook for the best experience and access to all features.
  • Can Exchange 2013 and 2019 Coexist?
    Yes, Exchange 2013 and Exchange 2019 can coexist in the same environment during the migration process. This allows for a phased migration, where some mailboxes remain on Exchange 2013 while others are migrated to Exchange 2019.
    However, it is recommended to complete the migration and decommission Exchange 2013 as soon as possible to fully utilize the benefits of Exchange 2019.
David Darlington
David Darlington Sep 23, 24
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