Microsoft to phase out Exchange Web Services and Windows Deployment Services

Microsoft is implementing several changes to its enterprise services that will impact IT administration and software compatibility. Starting October 1, 2026, the company will begin a phased decommissioning of the Exchange Web Services (EWS) interface for Exchange Online and Microsoft 365. This move is intended to transition users toward the Microsoft Graph API.

The EWS shutdown specifically poses risks for macOS users. Native Apple applications, including Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes, currently rely on EWS for cloud synchronization. While Apple plans to support the Microsoft Graph API in a future macOS update, current versions like macOS 27.0.1 do not yet include this interface. Microsoft has established a transition period for administrators, with a full block of EWS not expected until April 2027.

In a separate move, Microsoft has announced that the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server role will be deprecated in future versions of Windows Server. WDS, which allows administrators to deploy operating systems over a network, will see its deployment and transport servers, PXE network boot capabilities, and management tools phased out. While WDS remains available in currently supported versions up to Windows Server 2025, Microsoft recommends that organizations begin planning migrations to alternatives such as Microsoft Configuration Manager.