When you’re trying to catch up with your email system, obtaining the latest cumulative update for Exchange Server is a good way to stay compliant and implement new features within your organization.
Microsoft issues cumulative updates for the supported versions of Exchange Server to tackle security vulnerabilities, resolve issues, and enhance the functionalities of the on-premises email platform. It’s advisable for administrators to deploy these updates promptly while adhering to best practices to prevent extended downtime. Typically, to keep receiving technical support, Microsoft requires that Exchange Server be on a designated cumulative update. This guide assists administrators in preparing for the installation of an Exchange cumulative update, troubleshooting potential issues, and reverting the upgrade if necessary.
A cumulative update for Exchange is a comprehensive build that includes all previous updates from the last cumulative update as well as any hotfixes and security patches available. Beyond addressing vulnerabilities, a cumulative update can enhance stability, boost performance, and introduce new features.
Initially, Microsoft released cumulative updates on a quarterly basis but has since shifted to a less predictable timeline. Starting in 2022, the company implemented one cumulative update per year for Exchange 2019 and a single cumulative update for Exchange Server 2016.
Before proceeding with an Exchange cumulative update, it’s essential to follow some guidelines to ensure a smooth update experience.
Begin by reviewing the Microsoft release notes associated with the cumulative update. This information will assist you in preparing for prerequisites, identifying known issues, and following specific instructions that can facilitate the update process.
If you have a change management protocol in place, it is advisable to apply it for Exchange Server updates in order to mitigate risks. Creating backups of your Exchange environment, including its databases, along with documented recovery steps to return to the previous state, is crucial in case you encounter significant difficulties. Additionally, ensure that a similar backup and restoration procedure is established for Active Directory.
Be aware that during the installation of the cumulative update, mail flow will be interrupted. To minimize inconvenience, plan for this service disruption and schedule the update during a time that will impact the least number of users.
Begin by checking any necessary prerequisites, which include ensuring you have the right service pack and pre-update requirements, along with adequate permissions and available disk space. Confirm that your Exchange Server version aligns with the prerequisites for the cumulative update. For instance, you can determine the Exchange Server version by executing this PowerShell command:
Get-ExchangeServer | Select Name, AdminDisplayVersion
A PowerShell script that collects additional essential information regarding the Exchange Server, such as the .NET Framework version, permissions, and prerequisites, can output the findings in a report. Utilizing this approach can help mitigate issues both prior to and following the installation of the update.
It’s important to note that any customizations made to Exchange will be overwritten, so be sure to document, review, and back up these settings. Additionally, be aware that third-party applications or add-ons may not be compatible with the latest version of the cumulative update; thus, it’s wise to strategize how to handle potential conflicts and solutions for this upgrade.
Review the cumulative update on a lab system that replicates your production environment. This practice enables you to pinpoint and resolve issues prior to implementing the update in your operational Exchange setup.
Make sure you have access to suitable support options, whether through Microsoft support or your internal IT team, in the event of any complications during or following the update process.
You have the option to install Exchange cumulative updates using either the setup wizard or the Exchange Management Shell. The decision typically hinges on personal preference or specific needs.
The setup wizard offers a graphical user interface that leads administrators through the update process step-by-step, making it an ideal choice for those who are less familiar with PowerShell or who favor a more user-friendly approach to updates.
For those advanced users or administrators who are proficient with PowerShell and seek greater control over their processes, the Exchange Management Shell is often favored due to its automation features. PowerShell streamlines the management of Exchange, making tasks repeatable, which significantly reduces the chances of errors that can occur with manual input.
To initiate the installation using the setup wizard, you will need to download the cumulative update from the Microsoft Download Center and store it in a location that the Exchange Server can access.
Begin the setup process by double-clicking on the cumulative update file. If a User Account Control dialog appears, permit the application to alter system settings by entering the appropriate credentials.
After you have read and agreed to the terms of the license agreement, click Next. If the setup wizard prompts you to check for updates, you can decide whether to link to Microsoft Update or continue without retrieving updates. Click Next.
The setup wizard conducts readiness checks to verify that the system fulfills the requirements for the update. Ensure you resolve any issues or warnings that are reported before proceeding.
Select the type of installation, typically Install only the languages from the DVD or similar choices. If needed, choose the preferred installation location. Click Install or Next to initiate the installation process.
The setup wizard will display the progress of the installation. Please refrain from interrupting the operation until it has been completed.
To begin, download the cumulative update from the Microsoft Download Center and store it in a directory that is accessible from the Exchange Server.
Launch the Exchange Management Shell with administrative rights.
Utilize the cd command to navigate to the directory containing the cumulative update file. For instance:
cd C:PathToCumulativeUpdateFolder
Execute the setup.exe or setup.exe /mode:upgrade commands, including relevant parameters to initiate the update process. You may need to add extra parameters depending on your environment and specific needs. For example, the following command begins the upgrade process while agreeing to the license terms:
Enter the command: .Setup.exe /mode:upgrade /IAcceptExchangeServerLicenseTerms
As the update begins, stay alert for any prompts that may require your attention, like halting services, implementing changes, or rebooting services.
Keep an eye on the update’s progress. The installation duration may vary based on your server setup and the size of the update.
Once the installation is complete, ensure that the update was successful, and verify that Exchange Server services and features are functioning as intended.
Confirm that the version of your Exchange Server aligns with the cumulative update by executing this PowerShell command to obtain the version details:
Get-ExchangeServer | Select Name, AdminDisplayVersion
Check the operational status of Exchange Server services to make sure they are active by utilizing PowerShell:
Get-Service *Exchange*
Verify that essential services are operational, including Microsoft Exchange Information Store, responsible for managing mailbox databases, and Microsoft Exchange Transport, which oversees the delivery and routing of emails without any faults.
Test client connectivity to Exchange by ensuring users can log into their mailboxes through the Outlook desktop client, Outlook on the web (OWA), mobile devices, and any other client applications. Additionally, test the ability to send and receive emails both internally and externally to verify that email flow is functioning correctly.
Check the condition of Exchange databases to confirm they are mounted and operational using this PowerShell command:
Get-MailboxDatabase | Select Name, Mounted
The command yields True or False based on the mount status of each database.
Microsoft offers a health checker PowerShell script that conducts an extensive diagnostic assessment of your Exchange environment to identify any misconfigurations and issues with the surrounding infrastructure, including load balancers. This script allows you to export the results as an HTML file and employs color coding to emphasize problems in yellow or red, simplifying the debugging process.
Keep an eye on Exchange Server performance and examine event logs for any errors or warnings that may signal problems related to the update. Focus on specific Exchange-related events and errors.
Challenges can arise following an update to a functioning system. If Exchange Server exhibits issues after a cumulative update, diagnosing the problem necessitates a methodical approach to identifying and resolving the matter.
Microsoft provides a list of potential problems that may arise post-cumulative update to Exchange Server along with guidance to resolve them.
Examine the installation logs for particular error codes or messages. Additionally, check the event log for any errors or warnings linked to Exchange following the update installation.
Consult Microsoft’s documentation, release notes, and knowledge base entries concerning the cumulative update. There may be recognized issues or suggested workarounds that can aid in the troubleshooting process. The Tech Community Exchange forum by Microsoft can also be a valuable resource to find out if other administrators have experienced challenges after applying the cumulative update.
Attempt to pinpoint the issue by determining whether it pertains to specific services, components, databases, or functionalities of Exchange. If the problem continues despite troubleshooting efforts, think about reaching out to Microsoft support for help.
When you roll back an Exchange cumulative update, it restores the Exchange Server to its previous state prior to the installation. This process demands the expertise of a seasoned Exchange Server administrator and should adhere to thorough documentation. Ensure that you have tested backup and restore procedures in place before executing a rollback to reduce the chances of data loss or service interruption.
To perform a rollback of Exchange:
Helen Searle-Jones serves as a group head of IT in the manufacturing industry. With 30 years of experience in both enterprise and end-user computing, she leverages cloud and on-premises technologies to improve IT performance.
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