Why do I need to renew my "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" when I have 3rd party signed cert?

Hi @ Sharma, Rohit Why do I need to renew my "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" when I have 3rd party signed cert? Based on my knowledge, the two certificate have different functions in Exchange Server. The Auth Configuration and Auth Certificate are used by Microsoft Exchange server to enable server-to-server authentication using the Open Authorization (OAuth) protocol standard. The Auth Certificate is also used by several Exchange Server security features. If you don't renew this certificate, an expired auth certificate will prevent you from accessing ECP and OWA, Outlook clients slow to start and not displaying the user's calendar and so on... If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/597361/how-to-renew-microsoft-exchange-server-auth-certif https://www.alitajran.com/renew-microsoft-exchange-server-auth-certificate/ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/troubleshoot/administration/cannot-access-owa-or-ecp-if-oauth-expired#resolution If cert is missing. https://www.nucleustechnologies.com/blog/resolve-the-auth-certificate-missing-error-in-exchange-2016-2013/

Do I need to renew "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" even I have 3rd party signed cert installed.

Accepted answer

JimmyYang-MSFT 51,716 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2024-03-01T02:51:07.06+00:00

Hi @Sharma, Rohit

Why do I need to renew my "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" when I have 3rd party signed cert?

Based on my knowledge, the two certificate have different functions in Exchange Server. The Auth Configuration and Auth Certificate are used by Microsoft Exchange server to enable server-to-server authentication using the Open Authorization (OAuth) protocol standard. The Auth Certificate is also used by several Exchange Server security features.

If you don't renew this certificate, an expired auth certificate will prevent you from accessing ECP and OWA, Outlook clients slow to start and not displaying the user's calendar and so on...

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
Please sign in to rate this answer.
Sharma, Rohit 40 Reputation points

2024-03-01T13:09:17.61+00:00

I have multiple exchange 2016 servers and I can take care of renewing, "setting server for auth" and "publishing cert" part but a connected question;

When we renew this cert it's for whole environment or just for the server where we're running the cert renew cmds?

JimmyYang-MSFT 51,716 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2024-03-04T10:11:54.97+00:00

@Sharma, Rohit

When you renew a certificate on one Exchange 2016 server, it is only renewed for that specific server. You will need to repeat the process on all other Exchange 2016 servers in your environment to ensure that the certificate is renewed for all servers.

Peterborough Fences 0 Reputation points

2024-03-04T12:15:11.5766667+00:00

In the realm of Exchange Server, it's crucial to discern between the Auth Configuration and Auth Certificate due to their distinct roles. These certificates are pivotal for enabling server-to-server authentication via the OAuth protocol standard within Microsoft Exchange.

The Auth Configuration and Auth Certificate aren't merely pieces of digital infrastructure; they're integral to Exchange Server's security framework. Specifically, the Auth Certificate plays a multifaceted role, serving as a linchpin for various security features within Exchange Server.

Failure to renew these certificates can lead to a cascade of issues. An expired Auth Certificate can hamper access to essential Exchange Control Panel (ECP) and Outlook Web App (OWA) functionalities. Moreover, it can manifest in Outlook clients exhibiting sluggish behavior during startup and failing to display users' calendars, among other potential disruptions.

It's imperative to stay proactive in managing these certificates to maintain seamless Exchange Server operations and uphold security standards.

If this information proves beneficial, don't forget to click "Accept Answer" and consider giving it an upvote. Should you have further inquiries, feel free to ask by clicking "Comment."

Chain Link Fence Installation

Sharma, Rohit 40 Reputation points

2024-03-04T12:37:28.3366667+00:00

Could you please guide me the process of renewing the "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" too?

JimmyYang-MSFT 51,716 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2024-03-05T08:20:21.96+00:00

@Sharma, Rohit

You could refer to this article's resolution process.

Sharma, Rohit 40 Reputation points

2024-03-05T14:03:19.55+00:00

I'm referring to the same too but thanks for sharing.
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.

Share via

Do I need to renew "Microsoft Exchange Server Auth Certificate" even I have 3rd party signed cert installed.

1 additional answer

Your answer