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Is a license needed when using Exchange Server SE management tools (EMT)?

MarkusHH 61 Reputation points
2025-11-18T08:59:31.37+00:00

Hallo.

My question is, if a customer had to buy a Exchange Server Standard license in the following scenario:
a) The customer has no Exchange Server license
b) The customer has all employees covered with at least Exchange Online Plan 1 (another customer might have mostly EXO P2)
c) The customer has no Exchange Server mailbox role servers installed
d) The customer has Exchange Server SE management tools installed on a Windows Server and always maintains the latest patch level
e) The customer has a hybrid setup where Exchange identities are managed on premise using Exchange Management Tools (Entra Connect sync)

In the following article it is said no hybrid license was needed for management tools:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/upgrading-your-organization-from-current-versions-to-exchange-server-se/4241305

However the management tools are listed as additional software in the license terms of Exchange Server (OV). So to me it appeared like it's only allowed to installe / use Exchange Server management tools if there is at least one valid Exchange Server license. Or is that interpretation wrong and Exchnage Server management tools can be used without a Exchange Server license?
https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/productoffering/ExchangeServer/OVOVS#AccessLicenses

Exchange | Licensing
Exchange | Licensing
The framework for legally deploying and using Microsoft Exchange Server or Exchange Online, based on server and client access models.
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  1. Steven-N 15,800 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-11-18T11:28:19.19+00:00

    Hi MarkusHH

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum

    Regarding your concern, to clarify directly: Your interpretation that installing or using the Exchange Server management tools requires at least one valid Exchange Server license isn't accurate, especially in a hybrid setup like yours where the tools are solely for recipient management, with no on-premises server roles installed or running.

    As stated in Manage recipients in Exchange Hybrid environments using Management tools and Install the Exchange management tools while the product licensing terms do list the Exchange Management Tools (EMT) as "additional software" bundled with Exchange Server editions (Standard or Enterprise), Microsoft carves out an exception for hybrid environments. If all mailboxes are in Exchange Online (via Plan 1/2), and you're using EMT with PowerShell for admin tasks alongside Entra Connect sync, you can install and operate them without purchasing a server license or applying a hybrid key. During setup, you'll accept the license terms, but no activation or assignment is needed.

    If your setup varies or you're under a specific volume license, I'd recommend checking with a Microsoft licensing specialist via LINK for tailored confirmation.

    Link instruction: https://dori-uw-1.kuma-moon.com/en-us/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worl…

    Hope this clears things up, let me know if you have more details

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-18T08:59:48.77+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    In the scenario you described, it appears that the Exchange Server SE management tools can be used without requiring a full Exchange Server license. The article you referenced indicates that no hybrid license is needed for management tools, which suggests that they can be utilized in a hybrid setup without a corresponding Exchange Server license, provided that the management tools are installed and maintained correctly.

    However, it's important to note that the management tools are listed as additional software in the licensing terms of Exchange Server. This could imply that while you can use the management tools in a hybrid environment, having at least one valid Exchange Server license may still be a requirement for compliance with licensing terms.

    To ensure compliance and clarify any specific licensing requirements, it would be prudent to consult with Microsoft licensing specialists or refer directly to the official licensing documentation for the most accurate guidance regarding your specific situation.

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