Troubleshoot Exchange 2019 slow performance issue

Read time: 5 minutes

Exchange Server 2019 by Microsoft is a major service for a business to run flawless email communication. The administrator must monitor the server consistently to deliver the utmost efficiency of the business operations. We can dodge viable performance issues of an Exchange Server in several ways. However, before proceeding towards that, let us look at some of the performance metrics of Microsoft Exchange.

Performance metrics of Exchange Server 2019

Performance metrics are the factors that define the efficiency of Microsoft Exchange such that it can deliver optimum results in all scenarios. We can measure the performance using parameters including server request, queue length, CPU usage, memory usage, Outlook connectivity, etc. These parameters are responsible for the fluctuation resulting in the performance of the Exchange 2019. Learning about them will guide us in how we can resolve the issue of Exchange 2019 Slow Performance.

1. Requests per second: Requests per second or rps define the throughput of Exchange. If the rps sent to the server are higher, it will result in a higher load and slow performance.
2. CPU usage: CPU usage portrays the load each processor is bearing during the execution of a process. High CPU usage directly indicates inefficiency.
3. Queue length: Queue length is the number of messages waiting in a particular mail queue. Having a huge backlog of messages in the queue leads to a subsequent decline in performance.
4. Disk I/O: Disk Input/Output is the process of writing data to or reading from a memory device, such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-state Drive (SSD). High disk I/O means congestion, which impacts efficiency.
5. Network configuration: There is always the need for a reliable network infrastructure for high productivity and functioning. Regular monitoring is essential to avoid any jamming.
6. Outlook connectivity: Faulty connections between Outlook client and Exchange email server lead to slow performance. Regular monitoring of Outlook and Outlook Web Access (OWA) is substantial.

• Hardware optimization: Before you start looking for any other solution delve into the hardware requisites of the platform. Check if the system you’re using has updated versions of the CPU and RAM and is meeting the storage requirements of the Exchange 2019. It is recommended to regularly update your hardware to avoid any interruptions in your day-to-day activities.
• Storage architecture: Having high-performance storage is always advisable, even if you have the finest CPU and memory, otherwise, it will lead to interruptions while you’re working. One will need superpowers to identify the load their storage devices must bear in the future.
  The kind of storage drives you use describes the load your system can handle. Ensure to go with the most appropriate configuration of Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks (RAID) as it will impact the performance of disks installed in the system.
• Public folder management: Users can sometimes upload massive piles of data to the public folder, which increases the load on the server. It is, therefore, vital for the admin to limit access while maintaining the primary and secondary level hierarchy. Restricting the size of the public folder and the attachments users are adding can help to reduce the load on storage. This will simultaneously improve the functioning of the Exchange.
• Manage mailbox and database: The weight on the database can increase unnecessarily if you do not manage it properly. Having multiple mailboxes in a single database not only increases load but also makes it more difficult to understand the hierarchy. Disable old mailboxes that are not in use for a long time as they are just consuming space needlessly.
  You can defragment your database regularly and maintain the database and other components to lower the level of complexity. To do this, download our Kernel for Exchange Server, a professional Exchange recovery tool that allows you to convert your exchange database files (.edb) to public storage table files (.pst). With the tool, you can defragment your EDB into multiple PST files and store them for future use.
• Run HealthChecker script: As you install the Exchange Server to your system, run the “HealthChecker” script as an Administrator in the Exchange Management Shell. This will validate your server while highlighting the issues affecting the performance and suggesting a handful of improvements to optimize the server.

The script will also generate a report showing the pain points that still need your attention and how you can moderate them effortlessly.

• Other suggestions: Ensure to regularly monitor and analyze the Exchange 2019 to look for the necessary updates. Frequent scans will be quite helpful in identifying the issues disrupting performance. Check Outlook connectivity and disable extensions, add-ons, and plugins that might impact the proper functioning.

Also, don’t forget to exclude any anti-virus and anti-malware scanning as they can create issues with the transaction logs and the databases. Ensuring that the .NET version installed on your system is recently updated and supported by the server is also significant.

Conclusion

These are some ways by which you can fix the Exchange 2019 Slow Performance issue and upgrade your on-premises Exchange environment to deliver ideal productivity. If you want to defragment your database, you can use the Kernel for EDB to PST, which can also convert EDB files to PST without affecting the server’s throughput. With this, you can store multiple pst files rather than a huge EDB file. The major takeaway is that regular monitoring and maintenance are the keys to obtaining the best communication in your organization.