Step 3 Activate Journaling

Last published : Jun 07, 2026
The Exchange 2013 and Exchange 2016 journaling options depend on the Client Access License (CAL):
  • Standard CAL comes with Standard Journaling - set up journaling per database
  • Enterprise CAL comes with Premium Journaling - set up journaling per database and journaling rules
    Note: Use journaling rules to set up journaling for distribution groups and selected users. A single journaling rule can also be used to represent multiple databases. Journaling rules can be set up for internal messages, external messages, or all messages. To create a journaling rule based on a distribution group, the group must be created first. For the procedure to create a distribution group, see Microsoft's Exchange Server 2013 or 2016 help on Manage Distribution Groups.
The following journaling activation procedures are covered in this section:
  • Activate journaling per database (Standard and Premium Journaling)
  • Activate journaling rules (Premium Journaling only)
To activate journaling per database (Standard and Premium Journaling)
  1. Select servers and thendatabases.
  2. Double-click the mailbox database that requires journaling. The Mailbox Database window displays.
  3. Select Maintenance.
  4. Click browse, next to the** Journal recipient** field.
  5. Select the Journaling Contact, and then click ok.
  6. The Mailbox Database page displays with the journaling contact in theJournal recipient field.
  7. Click save
  8. Repeat these steps for all of the databases that require journaling.
To activate journaling rules (Premium Journaling only)
  1. Select compliance management and thenjournal rules.
  2. Click the plus sign. The new journal rule window displays.
  3. Enter the rule name in the Name field.
  4. To create a journaling rule for all databases, select ****from the If the message is sent to or received from... drop-down menu.
  5. To create a journaling rule based on distribution group or specific user:
    • Select a specific user or group from the If the message is sent to or received from... drop-down menu.
    • Select a distribution group or specific user, and then click add.
    • Click ok. The new journal rule window displays, listing the selected group or user.
  6. Select one of the following from the Journal the following messages... drop-down menu:
    • All messages
    • Internal messages only
    • External messages only
  7. Enter the journaling contact email address or alias in the Send Journal reports to: field.
  8. Click save. The journal rule displays as enabled on the journal rules page.
More Information
Setting up Exchange 2013, 2016, and 2019 journaling