Microsoft has announced the retirement of SharePoint 2013 workflows. This change impacts users relying on these workflows in SharePoint Server and SharePoint Online environments. Below, we outline the key details and recommended actions to help you transition smoothly.
What’s Happening?
SharePoint 2013 workflows, built on Windows Workflow Foundation 4.0, are being phased out. Microsoft will no longer support these workflows, meaning they will stop functioning in both SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server environments after specific dates. This retirement aligns with Microsoft’s focus on modern, more efficient automation solutions like Power Automate.
Key Dates to Know
- SharePoint Online:
- November 1, 2024: New SharePoint 2013 workflow creation will be disabled. Existing workflows will continue to run but may experience reduced functionality.
- May 1, 2025: All SharePoint 2013 workflows will be fully retired and will no longer execute in SharePoint Online.
- SharePoint Server:
- Support for SharePoint 2013 workflows in SharePoint Server 2013 ended with the product’s end-of-support date (April 11, 2023).
- For SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, Microsoft recommends transitioning to alternative solutions, as SharePoint 2013 workflows are no longer a supported feature.
Why Is This Happening?
Microsoft is retiring SharePoint 2013 workflows to streamline its platform and invest in modern automation tools. Power Automate offers enhanced capabilities, better integration with Microsoft 365, and a more user-friendly experience for creating and managing workflows.
What Should You Do?
To prepare for this change, follow these steps:
- Assess Your Workflows:
- Identify all SharePoint 2013 workflows in your environment. Use tools like the SharePoint Modernization Scanner to catalog active workflows.
- Determine which workflows are critical to your business processes.
- Migrate to Power Automate:
- Transition your workflows to Power Automate, Microsoft’s recommended replacement. Power Automate supports a wide range of connectors and templates to replicate and enhance existing workflows.
- Review Microsoft’s migration guides and resources for step-by-step assistance.
- Test and Validate:
- Before retiring SharePoint 2013 workflows, test your new Power Automate flows to ensure they meet your needs.
- Engage stakeholders to verify that business processes remain uninterrupted.
- Plan Ahead:
- For SharePoint Server users, consider upgrading to a newer version or moving to SharePoint Online for access to modern features.
- Stay informed about Microsoft’s updates by checking the Microsoft 365 Message Center.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance with the transition, contact Integent today. Act now to ensure your workflows remain operational and aligned with modern Microsoft 365 capabilities.
