Microsoft warns that transitioning Excel workbooks to new Exchange connectors might not be smooth sailing
Current Exchange connector is retiring - and new ones won't work if you don't upgrade
Microsoft has issued a warning to Excel users regarding the transition of Excel workbooks to new Exchange connectors. Users will need to migrate their workbook connections and switch to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024. The software giant has published a timeline for the switchover, with customer validation of the new Exchange Mail and Calendar connectors starting in August, and the final phase of the Exchange Web Services (EWS) retirement enforcement beginning in October.
The current Exchange connector in Excel Power Query is set to be retired in April 2027. Microsoft has not disclosed its plans for Contacts and Tasks, stating that guidance for these scenarios will be shared separately. Users will need to reconnect workbooks requiring Exchange Mail and Calendar data and may need an Office update to use the new connectors.
Identifying users and workbooks that currently rely on the existing Exchange connector will be crucial, and Microsoft has requested administrators to identify these users. Despite ample notice, Microsoft has not provided a timeline for rolling out the new connectors, only asking administrators to identify potential validators of the new Exchange Mail and Calendar connectors.
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