A: Yes – Exchange 2016 CU22 and later support Windows Server 2022. Earlier CUs do not.


Downloading the ISO is just the beginning. Follow these steps for a secure deployment:


If you are testing, learning, or building a lab environment, Microsoft offers a fully functional 180-day trial:

After 180 days, the trial reverts to a grace period and eventually stops. It cannot be converted to a full license, but it is perfect for non-production use.

If your organization has purchased Exchange Server 2016 licenses via a Volume Licensing agreement (Open, Select, Enterprise Agreement), follow these steps:

Note: You will also find your product key here under "Product Keys" or "License Summary."

Once prerequisites are satisfied, follow these steps:

  • Select Server Role Selection – Choose Mailbox role (Edge Transport is separate, rarely on same server).
  • Specify Installation Path – Default is C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15. Change if needed.
  • Malware Protection – Disable temporarily if you have third-party antivirus scanning – can be re-enabled later.
  • Ready to Install – Review your settings. Setup will run for 15–45 minutes.
  • Post-installation – Setup will ask if you want to run Exchange Management Console. Check the box.
  • After completion, open a browser and go to https://localhost/ecp (Exchange Admin Center) to verify.