In a significant development, Microsoft has announced the retirement of its cross-platform Exchange Web Services (EWS) API, effective from October 1, 2026. This move will have a profound impact on users who have been relying on EWS to access their emails and contacts from Exchange Online. As the API is phased out, users will find their tried-and-true method for pulling in messages, meetings, and other elements from various inboxes rendered obsolete.
It’s essential to note that these changes will primarily apply to Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online environments. Key products such as Outlook and Teams, along with EWS in Exchange Server, will continue to function as they have in the past. The decision to retire EWS doesn’t come as a surprise, as Microsoft had previously declared that EWS would not receive new features back in 2018.
In the upcoming three years, Microsoft has plans to block requests from non-Microsoft applications to Exchange Online via EWS. In response to this change, Microsoft encourages all users to migrate to Microsoft Graph, ensuring seamless continuity. It’s worth noting that Microsoft Graph lacks certain features that EWS users have long enjoyed.
Initially introduced in 2015, Microsoft Graph serves as a connector for multiple services and devices, similar to how EWS functions. However, a crucial distinction lies in the fact that Microsoft Graph APIs are REST-based, while EWS APIs are SOAP-based. This architectural difference translates into faster JSON serialization and reduced network usage, as outlined by Microsoft.
The Microsoft Exchange Team emphasized that EWS remains available and supported for use in production environments. However, they strongly recommend migrating to Microsoft Graph to access Exchange Online data and to benefit from the latest features and functionalities.
During the transition period leading up to the 2026 cutoff date, Microsoft will provide security updates and some non-security-related features for a select number of EWS components. Nonetheless, the platform is not expected to undergo any major overhauls. It’s important to acknowledge the existence of “feature gaps” between EWS and Graph. Microsoft is committed to expanding the list of features that Graph users can enjoy in the coming years, although it may not be possible to migrate all features seamlessly.
Some of the features that users can expect in Microsoft Graph include access to archive mailboxes, folder association information, user configuration, exchange online management, and access to public folders. The retirement of EWS is a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s strategy, and users are encouraged to start their migration plans to ensure a smooth transition to the innovative Microsoft Graph ecosystem.
