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 cannot operate in the multi-tenant cloud model due to dependency on server-side code execution and outdated APIs.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:
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 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 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:
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:
8. Custom Master Pages and Page Layouts
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Modern SharePoint does not use master pages; instead, it uses responsive, themable layouts.
Replacement:
9. Access Services and Access Web Apps
Status: Retired
Reason: No longer compatible with modern data security and integration needs.
Replacement:
10. Site Mailboxes
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Replaced by Microsoft 365 Groups and shared mailboxes.
Replacement:
11. Classic Lists, Libraries, and Views
Status: Classic mode retired
Reason: Modern lists provide responsive UX and better filtering/grouping.
Replacement:
12. Classic Search Experience
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Legacy search not integrated with M365 ecosystem.
Replacement:
13. Custom Themes (spcolor, spfont)
Status: Deprecated
Reason: Classic theming engine is no longer supported in modern UX.
Replacement:
14. Access-Based Web Parts and Promoted Links
Status: Deprecated
Replacement:
Quick Links Web Part
Hero Web Part
15. PerformancePoint and Excel Services
Status: Deprecated (on-premises only)
Replacement
Old vs. Modern Feature Mapping
| Legacy Feature | Modern Replacement |
|---|
| Save as Site Template | PnP Provisioning / Site Scripts |
| InfoPath | Power Apps |
| SharePoint Designer / Workflows | Power Automate |
| Sandbox / Farm Solutions | SPFx |
| Classic Pages & Web Parts | Modern Pages / SPFx Web Parts |
| Classic Themes | JSON Themes |
| Classic Publishing | Communication Sites |
| Access Services | Power Apps + Dataverse |
| Classic Search | Microsoft Search |
| Site Mailbox | M365 Group Mailbox |
Benefits of Modernizing
Responsive and mobile-ready pages
Improved governance and security compliance
Integration with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Planner, Power BI)
Automation via Power Automate
Extensibility via SPFx and Graph API
Better user experience and performance
Conclusion
SharePoint’s modernization journey is focused on cloud-first, no-code/low-code, and secure extensibility. Organizations that still rely on deprecated technologies like InfoPath, SPD workflows, or classic publishing sites should plan their migration to modern equivalents such as Power Apps, Power Automate, and SPFx. By adopting these modern frameworks and provisioning models, teams can ensure their SharePoint environment remains future-ready, secure, and aligned with Microsoft 365 innovations.