Enable the MRS Proxy Endpoint in Exchange Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) Proxy endpoint is one of the most important things that enable cross-forest mailbox moves and remote migrations between your on-premises Exchange organization and Microsoft 365 or Office 365. This endpoint needs to be enabled to ensure smooth replication and migration of mailboxes. Be it Exchange 2016 or 2019, this tutorial covers all you should know about enabling the MRS Proxy endpoint and how Medha Cloud can assist your organization to have a seamless transition.

Key Considerations Before You Begin

Before you enable the MRS Proxy endpoint, consider the following:

• Estimated Time: About 2 minutes per server.
• Permissions: Verify that you have the necessary “Exchange Web Services permissions” to perform these procedures.
• Mailbox Server Configuration: If your Exchange organization includes multiple Mailbox servers, enable the MRS Proxy endpoint on all of them. Failure to do so may result in migration failures.
• Security: If cross-forest moves or remote move migrations are not required, keep the MRS Proxy endpoint disabled to reduce your organization’s attack surface.
• Authentication: Windows authentication is mandatory for the MRS Proxy endpoint in Exchange Web Services (EWS) virtual directories.

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Enabling the MRS Proxy Endpoint

You can enable the MRS Proxy endpoint through the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or the Exchange Management Shell. Below are the steps for each method.

1. Using the Exchange Admin Center (EAC)

• Open the EAC and navigate to Servers > Virtual Directories.

• Select the EWS virtual directory to configure.
  Use the Select server drop-down to filter servers by name.
  Use the Select type drop-down to display only EWS virtual directories.
  

• Click Edit (pencil icon) for the chosen directory.

• In the properties window, go to the General tab and select the Enable MRS Proxy endpoint checkbox.

• Click Save to apply the changes.

2. Using the Exchange Management Shell

Alternatively, use PowerShell for greater efficiency, especially when dealing with multiple servers.

1. To enable the MRS Proxy endpoint for a specific server:

PowerShell Code

Set-WebServicesVirtualDirectory -Identity "EXCH-SRV-01\EWS (Default Web Site)" -MRSProxyEnabled $true

2. To enable the MRS Proxy endpoint for all Mailbox servers in the organization:
PowerShell Code

Get-WebServicesVirtualDirectory | Set-WebServicesVirtualDirectory -MRSProxyEnabled $true

For detailed syntax and parameter information, see the Set-WebServicesVirtualDirectory documentation.

Verifying the Configuration

After enabling the MRS Proxy endpoint, confirm the configuration using any of the following methods:

1. Via EAC:

• Navigate to Servers > Virtual Directories.
• Select the EWS virtual directory and check the details pane to ensure the MRS Proxy endpoint is enabled.

2. Via Exchange Management Shell:
Run the following command to check the MRSProxyEnabled property:
PowerShell Copy code below

Get-WebServicesVirtualDirectory | Format-Table -Auto Identity,MRSProxyEnabled

3. Test the Migration Server Availability:
Replace <EmailAddress> with the email address of a mailbox to be moved, and run:
PowerShell Copy Code below

Test-MigrationServerAvailability -ExchangeRemoteMove -Autodiscover -EmailAddress <EmailAddress> -Credentials (Get-Credential)

The MRS Proxy endpoint must be enabled for this test to succeed.

How Medha Cloud Can Help

At Medha Cloud, we specialize in seamless migration solutions for Microsoft 365 and Exchange Server environments. Our team of experts can assist with enabling critical configurations like the MRS Proxy endpoint, ensuring a hassle-free migration experience. We provide:

• Comprehensive migration assessments.
• Step-by-step guidance for configurations.
• Advanced troubleshooting for complex setups.

Final Thoughts

Enabling the MRS Proxy endpoint is a straightforward but essential step for successful cross-forest mailbox moves and remote migrations. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and secure migration process. However, for organizations looking to streamline and optimize their Exchange and Microsoft 365 environments, professional support can make all the difference.

Contact Medha Cloud today to unlock expert migration solutions tailored to your needs. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on what matters most—your business growth!

Reach us at:

• India: +91 93536 44646
• US: +1 646 775 2855
• Website: www.medhacloud.com
• Email: info@medhacloud.com