Exchange Hybrid Configuration Wizard + native move requests (MRS)

What it is good at

The only method Microsoft fully supports for a phased Exchange-to-Exchange Online move. Full free/busy, mail routing and a single GAL during coexistence, and mailboxes move online with only a brief Outlook restart.

Where it falls down

Requires an on-prem Exchange server, Entra Connect, certificates and published autodiscover. Throttling makes very large estates slow, and there is no reporting dashboard worth the name.

Capabilities

• Coexistence during migration
• Cross-org free/busy and GAL sync
• Delta / incremental passes
• Programme reporting / audit trail

Cost and licensing

Cost category

Included — No extra charge if you already hold the platform licence.

Indicative price

No extra cost beyond Exchange / Microsoft 365 licences

Licence model

Included with Exchange Server and Microsoft 365. A free Hybrid Edition Exchange Server key is available for the hybrid management server so you do not pay for that instance.

How to license it

Run the Hybrid Configuration Wizard from the Microsoft 365 admin centre. Request the free Hybrid Edition product key from the Microsoft hybrid key portal for the on-prem hybrid server. Target mailboxes need an Exchange Online Plan 1/2 or M365 licence.

Lifecycle

Current

Vendor page

https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/hybrid-deployment/hybrid-deployment

Pricing and licensing last reviewed 2026-09-18. Indicative only - confirm with the vendor.

Supported sources

• Any platform

Supported targets

• Any platform