Microsoft’s 2025 Shake-Up: A Year of Retirements and Challenges for IT Admins
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for IT administrators managing Microsoft environments. Dubbed the “year of the retirement” rather than the “year of the desktop,” Microsoft is set to deprecate and retire several key services, including support for AdminDroid blog post outlines the timeline of these changes, which Microsoft has dubbed the “timeline of doom.” The post highlights critical milestones that will impact organizations relying on Microsoft 365 and other services.
Key Changes and Challenges
Table of Contents
- Microsoft’s Legacy Exchange Online Tokens Deprecation: What It Means for Outlook Add-Ins
- The Role of legacy Exchange Online Tokens
- Impact on Outlook Add-Ins
- what Businesses Need to Do
- Key Takeaways
- Looking Ahead
- Microsoft Announces Major Deprecations: Azure AD PowerShell, SharePoint Web Parts, and Classic teams Desktop App
- Key Takeaways and Timeline
- The End of Basic Authentication in Exchange Online
- Windows 10, Office 2016, and 2019 Support Ends
- Viva goals and SharePoint’s SendMail API
- Office 365 Connectors in Teams Face the Axe
- A Busy Year Ahead for Administrators
- Looking Ahead
- Key Changes and Retirements in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
- What This Means for Users
- How to Stay Prepared
One of the frist major hurdles comes in February 2025, when Microsoft plans to turn off exchange Online Legacy Tokens. While administrators can temporarily extend support using PowerShell,this option will disappear by June. By October, the system will be completely disabled for all tenants, leaving no room for workarounds.This is just the beginning. The retirement of Windows 10 support marks a significant shift, forcing organizations to migrate to newer operating systems or risk security vulnerabilities. The changes are part of Microsoft’s broader effort to streamline its offerings and push users toward more modern, cloud-based solutions.
What This Means for IT Admins
For IT administrators, 2025 will be a year of adaptation. The deprecation of legacy systems and the push toward newer technologies will require careful planning and execution. Organizations must assess their current infrastructure, identify dependencies on retiring services, and develop migration strategies to avoid disruptions.
The stakes are high. Failure to adapt could result in security risks, compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies. Though, for those who embrace the changes, the transition offers an chance to modernize and optimize their IT environments.
Summary of Key Milestones
to help administrators navigate these changes, here’s a summary of the critical milestones:
| Milestone | Date | Impact |
|——————————–|—————-|—————————————————————————-|
| Exchange Online Legacy Tokens | February 2025 | Tokens turned off; temporary extension via PowerShell available. |
| Legacy Token Re-enable Option | June 2025 | Option to re-enable tokens removed. |
| Full Legacy Token Shutdown | October 2025 | system disabled for all tenants. |
| Windows 10 support Retirement | 2025 | End of support for Windows 10; migration to newer OS required. |
Preparing for the Transition
As Microsoft moves forward with its plans, IT administrators must stay informed and proactive. Regularly reviewing updates from Microsoft and leveraging resources like the AdminDroid blog can definitely help organizations stay ahead of the curve.
The year 2025 may be challenging,but with careful planning,it can also be a year of transformation.By embracing these changes, organizations can position themselves for long-term success in an evolving digital landscape.What steps is your organization taking to prepare for Microsoft’s 2025 changes? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below.
Microsoft’s Legacy Exchange Online Tokens Deprecation: What It Means for Outlook Add-Ins
Microsoft’s decision to deprecate Legacy Exchange Online Tokens is set to have a significant impact on businesses relying on older Outlook add-ins, especially those used to streamline enterprise processes. While COM add-ins are expected to remain unaffected,Outlook web add-ins may face challenges due to their reliance on Office.js APIs, which depend on these tokens.
The move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to modernize its ecosystem and enhance security. As the tech giant phases out older technologies, businesses must adapt to avoid disruptions.
The Role of legacy Exchange Online Tokens
Legacy exchange Online Tokens have long been a cornerstone for integrating third-party applications with Microsoft Exchange Online. These tokens enable seamless dialog between Outlook and external tools, often serving as the glue for enterprise workflows. However,their deprecation signals a shift toward more secure and modern authentication methods.
According to a recent announcement, the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Application Impersonation role will also be retired in February. this role was instrumental in granting access to multiple mailboxes, but Microsoft now encourages businesses to register their apps with Entra, its identity and access management solution.
Impact on Outlook Add-Ins
The deprecation will primarily affect Outlook web add-ins,which leverage Office.js APIs to interact with Exchange Online. These add-ins are widely used to automate tasks, integrate with CRM systems, and enhance productivity. Without Legacy Exchange online Tokens, developers will need to transition to newer authentication methods, such as Microsoft Graph API, which offers enhanced security and scalability.
On the other hand, COM add-ins, which operate at the desktop level, are unlikely to be impacted. These add-ins rely on different authentication mechanisms,making them more resilient to changes in Exchange Online’s token system.
what Businesses Need to Do
To mitigate potential disruptions, businesses should:
- Audit their existing add-ins to identify dependencies on legacy Exchange Online Tokens.
- Transition to modern authentication methods, such as Microsoft Graph API, for web add-ins.
- Register their applications with Entra to ensure continued access to Exchange Online resources.
Microsoft’s push toward modern authentication aligns with its commitment to improving security and reducing vulnerabilities. As the February deadline approaches, businesses must act swiftly to avoid operational hiccups.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Legacy Exchange Online Tokens | Deprecated, impacting Outlook web add-ins relying on Office.js APIs. |
| COM Add-Ins | Unlikely to be affected. |
| RBAC Application Impersonation | Retiring in February; apps should be registered with Entra. |
| Recommended Action | Transition to Microsoft graph API and register apps with Entra. |
Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s decision to retire Legacy Exchange Online Tokens underscores the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Businesses that proactively adapt to these changes will not only avoid disruptions but also benefit from enhanced security and performance.
For more insights on how to navigate this transition, explore Microsoft’s official guidance on Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) application Impersonation.
What steps is your organization taking to prepare for these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to our team for personalized advice.
Microsoft is making significant changes to its ecosystem, with several key features and tools set to be deprecated in the coming years. These changes will impact developers, IT administrators, and everyday users, marking a shift in how Microsoft’s services are accessed and utilized. Below, we break down the key announcements and what they mean for users.
azure AD and MSOnline PowerShell Modules to Retire by march 2024
The Azure AD PowerShell and MSOnline PowerShell modules, long-used tools for managing Azure Active Directory, will officially drop out of support by the end of March 2024. These modules have been a staple for IT administrators, enabling them to manage user accounts, licenses, and other directory services through command-line interfaces.
microsoft has been encouraging users to transition to the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK, which offers a more modern and unified approach to managing Azure AD and other Microsoft 365 services. The Graph SDK provides enhanced functionality and better integration with Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. For those still relying on the older modules, it’s time to migrate to avoid disruptions in workflow.
Another significant change is the deprecation of domain isolated web parts in the SharePoint Framework (SPFx). This feature, which allowed developers to create web parts running in a separate domain from the host page, will begin its deactivation process on April 2, 2025.
Microsoft has cited performance issues as the primary reason for retiring this feature. While domain isolation provided a layer of security by isolating web parts from the main page, it often led to slower load times and a less seamless user experience.
The phased deactivation will first impact new tenants starting April 2025, followed by existing tenants on April 2, 2026. Developers are advised to explore choice approaches for building secure and performant web parts within the SharePoint Framework.
Classic Teams Desktop App to Be Retired by July 2025
The classic Teams desktop app, which was officially dropped from support in 2024, will be fully retired by July 1, 2025. This move marks the end of an era for the original version of Microsoft’s popular collaboration tool, which has been a mainstay for businesses worldwide.
Users will need to transition to the new Teams desktop client, which Microsoft has been promoting as a faster, more efficient, and feature-rich alternative. The new client is designed to address performance issues and provide a more streamlined experience, aligning with Microsoft’s vision for modern workplace collaboration.
Key Takeaways and Timeline
To summarize the key changes and their timelines, here’s a quick reference table:
| Feature/Tool | Deprecation Date | impact |
|——————————–|—————————-|—————————————————————————-|
| Azure AD powershell Modules | End of March 2024 | IT admins must migrate to Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. |
| MSOnline PowerShell Modules | End of March 2024 | Transition to Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK required. |
| SharePoint Domain Isolated Web Parts | April 2, 2025 (new tenants)
April 2, 2026 (existing tenants) | Developers must adopt alternative web part growth approaches. |
| Classic Teams Desktop App | July 1, 2025 | Users must switch to the new Teams desktop client. |
What This Means for Users
These deprecations reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to modernize its ecosystem and improve performance across its platforms. While change can be challenging, the transition to newer tools and features is expected to bring long-term benefits, including enhanced security, better performance, and more seamless integration.
For IT administrators and developers, the key is to plan ahead. Migrating to the Microsoft graph PowerShell SDK, exploring alternative SharePoint web part development methods, and adopting the new Teams client will ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted productivity.
Stay informed and Prepared
As these changes roll out,staying informed is crucial. Microsoft’s official documentation and community forums are excellent resources for guidance and support. For those looking to dive deeper into the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK, check out the official documentation. Similarly, developers can explore the latest updates on the SharePoint Framework to adapt to the upcoming changes.By proactively addressing these deprecations, users can ensure they remain ahead of the curve and continue to leverage Microsoft’s tools effectively.Microsoft has announced a series of significant changes and retirements across its product ecosystem, leaving administrators and users scrambling to adapt. From the end of Basic authentication for client submission in Exchange Online to the retirement of Viva Goals and Office 365 connectors in Teams, the tech giant is streamlining its offerings while pushing users toward newer technologies.these changes, though flagged well in advance, are set to create a ripple effect across organizations relying on Microsoft’s tools.
The End of Basic Authentication in Exchange Online
Starting this September, Basic authentication for client submission in Exchange Online will be retired. This move is part of Microsoft’s broader push toward modern authentication methods, which offer enhanced security and better protection against cyber threats. The retirement of Basic authentication has been a long time coming, with Microsoft encouraging users to transition to OAuth 2.0 for secure email submission. For those still relying on older protocols, the clock is ticking.
Windows 10, Office 2016, and 2019 Support Ends
Microsoft is also pulling the plug on support for several legacy products. Many editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, alongside Office 2016 and Office 2019. Additionally, Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 will be retired, marking the end of an era for users of the popular note-taking app. Organizations running Microsoft 365 apps on Windows Server 2016 and 2019 will also need to upgrade, as support for these platforms will be discontinued.
Another casualty in Microsoft’s cleanup is Viva Goals, which is set to be retired on December 31, 2025. while the project had a short lifespan, its impact on administrators was minimal. Development for Viva Goals will cease at the end of 2024, giving users a year to transition to alternative solutions.Similarly, the SendMail API in SharePoint will be retired, forcing developers to explore other options for email integration.
Office 365 Connectors in Teams Face the Axe
One of the most contentious retirements is the discontinuation of Office 365 connectors within Teams, slated for the end of 2025. These connectors and webhooks are essential for integrating workflows into Teams channels, and their removal has already sparked significant backlash. when Microsoft first attempted to retire the service in 2024, users responded with an “almighty outcry”, prompting the company to delay the change. Microsoft’s recommended alternative is Power Automate, but the transition may not be seamless for all users.
A Busy Year Ahead for Administrators
While Microsoft is optimistic that 2025 will be “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh”, administrators may have other priorities. The sheer volume of retirements and deprecations means IT teams will be busy navigating these changes rather than exploring the potential of AI in their organizations. Microsoft has provided ample notice for these transitions, but the scale of the task cannot be understated.
| Retirement/Deprecation | Date | Impact |
|————————————-|————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Basic Authentication in exchange | September 2024 | Transition to OAuth 2.0 required for secure email submission. |
| Windows 10,Office 2016/2019 | End of 2024 | No further updates or support for these legacy products. |
| Viva Goals | December 31, 2025 | development ends in 2024; minimal impact expected. |
| Office 365 Connectors in Teams | End of 2025 | Shift to Power Automate recommended; significant user backlash anticipated.|
Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s retirements and deprecations are part of a broader strategy to modernize its ecosystem and encourage adoption of newer technologies.Though, the transition will not be without challenges. Administrators must carefully plan their migrations to avoid disruptions, while users will need to adapt to new tools and workflows. As the tech giant continues to evolve, the focus will remain on balancing innovation with the needs of its vast user base.
For more details on these changes, visit Microsoft’s official announcements on Basic authentication retirement and the Viva Goals retirement FAQ.
It seems like your message got cut off at the end. However, I can summarize the key points and provide additional context based on the information you shared:
Key Changes and Retirements in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
- Azure AD PowerShell modules Deprecation (End of March 2024)
– The older Azure AD PowerShell modules (e.g., MSOnline) will no longer be supported.
– Action Required: migrate to the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK for managing Azure AD and Microsoft 365 services.
- Benefits: Modern, unified, and better integration with Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.
- SharePoint framework’s Domain Isolated Web Parts (Phased Out Starting April 2025)
– Domain-isolated web parts, which run in a separate domain for security, will be retired due to performance issues.
– Action Required: Developers should adopt alternative approaches for building secure and performant web parts.
- Timeline:
– New tenants: April 2, 2025
– Existing tenants: April 2, 2026
- classic Teams Desktop App retirement (July 1, 2025)
– The classic Teams desktop app, which was dropped from support in 2024, will be fully retired.
– Action Required: Transition to the new Teams desktop client, which offers improved performance and features.
- End of Basic Authentication in Exchange Online (September 2023)
– Basic authentication for client submission in Exchange Online will be retired.
– Action Required: Switch to OAuth 2.0 for secure email submission.
- End of Support for Legacy Products
– Windows 10: Many editions will no longer receive updates.
– Office 2016 and Office 2019: Support will end.
- Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10: Will be retired.
– Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2016 and 2019: Support will be discontinued.
– Action Required: upgrade to newer versions or platforms.
- Viva Goals and Office 365 Connectors in Teams
– Viva Goals and Office 365 connectors in Teams are being retired.
– Action Required: Explore alternative tools and integrations within Microsoft’s ecosystem.
What This Means for Users
- IT Administrators and Developers: Plan ahead to migrate to newer tools and platforms.
- End Users: Expect improved performance, security, and integration, but prepare for a transition period.
- Organizations: Ensure compliance with Microsoft’s timelines to avoid disruptions.
How to Stay Prepared
- Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK: Official Documentation
- sharepoint Framework: Latest updates
- New Teams Client: Ensure all users are upgraded to the latest version.
- Modern Authentication: Transition to OAuth 2.0 for Exchange Online.
by proactively addressing these changes, users and organizations can ensure a smooth transition and continue leveraging Microsoft’s tools effectively. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!
