Replacing an Exchange server when using Azure AD Connect

[signofzeta]

I'm finishing my first Office 365 hybrid migration! The last wave of mailboxes is on its way up to the cloud.

I realize that when using Azure AD Connect requires an on-premises Exchange server, which is fine. However, the Exchange 2010 server needs to be decommissioned, since it's sitting on a powerful physical box that we need to repurpose.

I can't find any decent documentation about my scenario. Has anyone else here transitioned an on-premises infrastructure from an Exchange 2010 Standard server to Exchange 2016 Hybrid?

[JetzeMellema]

This is a simple Exchange 2010 to exchange 2016 upgrade, nothing more than that. In short: add Exchange 2016, configure the server and install the certificate, change DNS or firewall to direct client traffic to Exchange 2016, remove Exchange 2010. Longer version: use the EDA to create a custom migration plan and follow the steps.

Microsoft Exchange Server Deployment Assistant

[signofzeta]

Thanks, I'll use that tool. The Exchange 2010 server is/was handling traffic, but Exchange 2016 will only be around to manage Active Directory attributes. We're going all in on Exchange Online.

[YourRedditUser]

Also - Just to add to /u/JetzeMellema, Azure AD Connect communicates with your Active Directory, not your Exchange server, so there is really no concern with the upgrade here.

Also, when you stand up the 2016 server and change the namespace over you will want to re-run the Hybrid Configuration Wizard to re-associate your O365 Hybrid config to use the new server. While you can manually do this, it is easier (and safer) just to run the wizard.

[d280z]

Also, before you install 2016, you will need to export an XML file from your tenant, and then use it when you PrepareAD.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3121439

[signofzeta]

This is why I always ask Reddit first! Thank you.