Microsoft is set to pull the plug on Exchange Web Services (EWS) — here’s the cutoff date
You won’t be able to access email messages, meetings, and contacts from Exchange Online after October 2026.
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What you need to know
For those unfamiliar with Exchange Web Services (EWS), it’s a cross-platform API designed to allow apps to “access mailbox items such as email messages, meetings, and contacts from Exchange Online, Exchange Online as part of Office 365, or on-premises versions of Exchange starting with Exchange Server 2007,” as described byMicrosoft.
While the API is quite useful, Microsoft’s Exchange Team recently announced that it’s set toretire it in the next three years. This shouldn’t come as a surprise.In 2018, the company announced it would no longer ship feature updates to Exchange Web Services (EWS) in Exchange Online.
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As of October 1, 2026, Microsoft is set to start blocking EWS requests from non-Microsoft apps to Exchange Online. However, it’s worth noting that this change will only apply to Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online (all environments).
Microsoft confirmed that this change won’t impact EWS in Exchange Server. Outlook for Windows or Mac, Teams, or any other Microsoft product will continue to run as usual despite the Exchange Online changes.
The company further added that it will continue to ship security updates and certain non-security updates to the EWS components, but the product design and features will remain untouched. EWS Software Development Kits (SDKs) will also be impacted by this change, including Java and .NET.
Despite today’s announcement, EWS is still available and supported for use in production environments. But we strongly suggest migrating to Microsoft Graph to access Exchange Online data and gain access to the latest features and functionality.
Microsoft Graph to the rescue
While there’s still a substantial amount of time left until Microsoft pulls support for Exchange Web Services (EWS), developers are advised to transition to Microsoft Graph to avoid any inconveniences.
Microsoft highlighted that it understands that there are “several feature gaps” between EWS and Microsoft Graph and further added that it is working towards bridging them. However, the company stated that it’s possible that not all features will make it to Microsoft Graph.
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The Microsoft Exchange Team listed the following feature gaps as the most frequently reported by developers:
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
