Microsoft administrators are bracing for significant disruptions in 2025 as numerous critical features and supports for Microsoft 365 and related products are scheduled for retirement. The changes, expected to impact enterprise operations extensively, have been outlined in an AdminDroid blog post. As the year progresses, administrators will need to navigate a series of complex transitions to ensure continuity and security within their organizations.
Exchange Online Legacy Tokens
Deactivation and Impact on Add-ins
One of the first significant challenges for Microsoft administrators in 2025 will involve the deactivation of Exchange Online Legacy Tokens, set to commence in February. Although administrators can temporarily extend the usage of these tokens using PowerShell, this reprieve is short-lived, as it will end in June. By October, all tenants will face the permanent deactivation of these tokens. This change predominantly affects older Outlook add-ins, especially those web add-ins that utilize Office.js APIs dependent on these tokens. As a result, organizations will need to update or replace these add-ins to maintain functionality and security.
Concurrent with this shift, the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Application Impersonation role will also be phased out. Administrators are encouraged to transition to app registrations with Entra to avoid operational disruptions. The phasing out of legacy tokens and the RBAC role signifies a broader move towards more modern, secure authentication and authorization mechanisms within the Microsoft ecosystem. This transition is not merely a technical necessity but a strategic step to enhance overall security and compliance.
PowerShell Modules and SharePoint Framework
End of Support for Azure AD and MSOnline Modules
March will bring further changes, as support for the Azure AD and MSOnline PowerShell modules is scheduled to end. These modules have been essential tools for managing Microsoft 365 environments, and their retirement will require administrators to shift to newer management frameworks. This move underscores Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its tools and platforms, ensuring they remain secure and efficient. Administrators must familiarize themselves with the new modules and migration processes to prevent operational issues.
Deactivation of Domain Isolated Web Parts
In April, another substantial change will affect the SharePoint Framework. The domain isolated web parts feature will start its deactivation process on April 2, 2025. Initially, new tenants will no longer have access to this feature, and by April 2, 2026, it will be entirely unavailable to existing tenants. This feature was designed to allow developers to run web parts in a separate domain from the host page, intended to enhance security and performance. However, due to poor performance outcomes, Microsoft has decided to retire this feature. Organizations using domain isolated web parts will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their desired levels of functionality and security.
Teams and Exchange Online
Transitioning From the “Classic” Teams Desktop App
The latter half of 2025 will see the end of the “classic” Teams desktop app, which already lost support in 2024. By July 1, 2025, organizations will need to transition fully to the new Teams desktop client. Failing to make this transition could result in significant operational disruptions, as the classic app will no longer receive updates or support. The move to the new client aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate and enhance the Teams platform, offering improved performance, security, and features. Administrators must plan and execute this transition carefully to ensure seamless user experiences and continued productivity.
Discontinuation of Basic Authentication
September will mark another critical transition, with the end of basic authentication for client submission in Exchange Online. Basic authentication, while simpler to implement, poses significant security risks compared to modern authentication methods. By discontinuing basic authentication, Microsoft aims to bolster security across its services. This change will require organizations to ensure that all client applications and services are updated to use modern authentication methods, which are more secure and compliant with contemporary security standards. The shift away from basic authentication is a critical step in enhancing the overall security posture of enterprise environments using Microsoft 365.
Impact on Windows Versions and Office Applications
End of Support for Various Windows 10 Editions
October will be especially challenging for administrators, as support for several Windows 10 editions, including Office 2016 and 2019 and Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10, will conclude. This means that these products will no longer receive security updates or support from Microsoft, posing potential security risks. Organizations must plan for upgrades or replacements to maintain security and compliance. Furthermore, Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows Server 2016 and 2019. This transition necessitates a strategic approach to update or migrate systems to newer, supported versions to avoid operational and security vulnerabilities.
Retirement of SharePoint’s SendMail API
Adding to the list of October retirements, the SendMail API in SharePoint will also be retired. This API has been a key component for automating and managing email communications within SharePoint environments. Its retirement will require administrators to seek alternative solutions to maintain these automated workflows. The end of support for these critical tools and platforms highlights the need for proactive planning and a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft’s evolving product landscape.
Viva Goals and Office 365 Connectors
Phasing Out Viva Goals
December 31, 2025, will see the phasing out of Viva Goals, a relatively short-lived product with a brief two-year lifespan before development ceased at the end of 2024. Due to its limited duration and adoption, its phase-out is expected to have minimal impact. However, organizations that have integrated Viva Goals into their workflows will need to identify and transition to alternative tools to maintain continuity. The retirement of Viva Goals reflects Microsoft’s strategic focus on consolidating and optimizing its product offerings.
Discontinuation of Office 365 Connectors
Microsoft administrators are preparing for considerable disruptions in 2025 as numerous essential features and support for Microsoft 365 and its related products are set to be retired. The upcoming changes, which are anticipated to greatly impact enterprise operations, have been detailed in a blog post by AdminDroid. With the retirement of these critical features, organizations will need to make significant adjustments to maintain smooth operations and ensure the security of their systems.
The phase-out of various services will likely necessitate upgrades, migrations, and potential changes in how organizations utilize Microsoft products. IT departments must proactively plan to address these transitions, ensuring that there is minimal disruption to their workflows and data integrity. These changes underscore the necessity for ongoing education and training for administrators to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new tools and software solutions that Microsoft will introduce. As the year progresses, leading up to 2025, effective communication and strategic planning will be essential to navigate these complex shifts and maintain business continuity.