Azure ACS retirement in Microsoft 365

Microsoft is retiring Azure ACS (Access Control Services) as an authentication platform for SharePoint Online. Since its first use by SharePoint in 2013, Microsoft has adopted Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) as its preferred authorization and authentication option for SharePoint Online. With continuous investment in Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft has decided to retire Azure ACS gradually. Starting from November 1, 2024, new tenants will not be able to use Azure ACS, and from April 2, 2026, Microsoft will remove the ability to use SharePoint ACS for existing tenants.

Organizations that currently use Azure ACS to grant custom-developed or third-party applications access to SharePoint Online will need to update their customizations to use Microsoft Entra ID. Microsoft recommends that customers notify Azure ACS users and developers, update user training, and prepare the help desk for the transition.

For admins, Microsoft suggests using the Microsoft 365 Assessment tool to scan your tenants for Azure ACS usage, reviewing guidance for migrating from Azure ACS to Microsoft Entra ID, and preparing to notify users and developers. There will be no option to extend Azure ACS usage for SharePoint Online beyond April 2, 2026.

If your organization is affected by this retirement plan, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to Microsoft Entra ID to continue accessing SharePoint Online without any interruption.

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