Introduction
With the continuous evolution of SharePoint Online and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft has been gradually retiring legacy features to modernize the platform. Traditional components such as classic pages, InfoPath forms, and SharePoint Designer workflows were built for on-premises environments and are no longer compatible with the modern cloud architecture.
This article provides a consolidated view of deprecated SharePoint features, the technical reasons for deprecation, and their modern replacements to help developers and administrators plan migrations and modernization efforts effectively.
Why Deprecation Happens
Microsoft’s modernization goals are driven by:
Cloud-first architecture (SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365)
Client-side customization using SPFx (SharePoint Framework)
Security and governance compliance
Improved performance and responsive UX
Integration with Power Platform and Microsoft Graph
The old server-side model (farm solutions, master pages, WSPs, etc.) cannot operate in the multi-tenant cloud model due to dependency on server-side code execution and outdated APIs.
Deprecated Features in SharePoint and Their Modern Replacements
Below is a categorized breakdown of major deprecated or retired features:
1. Save as Site Template (.wsp)
Status: Deprecated in SharePoint Online
Reason: Uses classic WSP/sandbox model incompatible with modern sites.
Modern Alternative:
PnP Provisioning Templates
Site Scripts and Site Designs
These modern methods use PowerShell, REST APIs, and JSON definitions to provision sites securely and consistently across tenants.
2. Classic Publishing Infrastructure
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Based on server-side master pages and layouts.
Replacement:
Modern Communication Sites
Modern Pages with SPFx Web Parts
Modern pages are responsive, faster, and built on client-side rendering with complete Microsoft 365 integration.
3. Classic Web Parts
Status: Replaced
Reason: Limited to classic pages; not responsive or secure.
Replacement:
Modern Web Parts (Text, Hero, Quick Links, File Viewer, etc.)
SPFx Custom Web Parts for advanced scenarios.
4. InfoPath Forms
Status: Deprecated (support until July 2026)
Reason: Legacy form technology not integrated with Microsoft 365 services.
Replacement:
Power Apps for custom form design
Power Automate for process automation
Power Apps integrates seamlessly with SharePoint Lists, Dataverse, and external data sources.
5. SharePoint Designer (SPD) and SPD Workflows
Status: Deprecated (support ends July 2026)
Reason: Server-based workflow engine (Workflow Manager) not supported in Microsoft 365.
Replacement:
Power Automate (Flow)
Logic Apps (for enterprise integration)
SPFx Event Receivers (for advanced customization)
6. SharePoint Workflows (2010 & 2013)
Status: Retired (2010) and scheduled for retirement (2013)
Reason: Workflow platform deprecated in favor of Power Automate.
Replacement:
Power Automate: Low-code, cloud-based workflow automation
Azure Logic Apps: Enterprise-scale integration workflows
7. Sandbox and Farm Solutions
Status: Deprecated and unsupported in SharePoint Online
Reason: Security and scalability limitations due to server-side code.
Replacement:
SPFx (SharePoint Framework) for client-side solutions
PnP PowerShell or CLI for Microsoft 365 for automation
8. Custom Master Pages and Page Layouts
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Modern SharePoint does not use master pages; instead, it uses responsive, themable layouts.
Replacement:
Modern Themes (JSON-based)
SPFx Extensions (Header/Footer customizations)
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