check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting March 1, 2026, EWS access will be blocked for mailboxes with Exchange Online Kiosk, Microsoft 365/Office 365 F1, and F3 licenses, which currently lack EWS rights. To maintain EWS access, users must be assigned licenses with EWS rights, or EWS requests will return HTTP 403 errors.
Details:
We're making some changes to Exchange Web Services (EWS).
Starting March 1, 2026, we will start to block EWS access for all mailboxes without license rights to EWS. This is another step in our ongoing commitment to enhance the security and control mechanisms of EWS.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-03
updated:
2025-12-03
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of EWS Access
Users with Kiosk, F1, and F3 licenses will lose EWS access, resulting in inability to use applications relying on EWS for email functionalities.
- roles: Frontline Workers, IT Administrators
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Increased Support Requests
The change will likely lead to an increase in support requests from users facing HTTP 403 errors due to lack of EWS access.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Disruption in Workflow
Frontline workers may experience disruptions in their daily tasks that depend on EWS, affecting productivity and user experience.
- roles: Frontline Workers, Team Leaders
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Need for License Upgrades
Organizations will need to allocate resources for upgrading licenses to maintain EWS access, impacting budget and planning.
- roles: Finance Managers, IT Administrators
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
User Training Requirements
Users may require training on new tools or processes if licenses are upgraded, leading to additional time and resource investment.
- roles: Training Coordinators, HR Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
License Optimization
Review and optimize the licensing structure for frontline workers to ensure they have the necessary EWS access without incurring unnecessary costs. This could involve evaluating the number of users needing EWS access and potentially transitioning them to a more suitable license that includes EWS rights.
- next-steps: Conduct an audit of current license usage among frontline workers and assess the need for EWS access. Based on the findings, develop a proposal for license adjustments that balance user needs and cost efficiency.
- roles: IT Administrators, Finance Team, HR Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
User Training and Support
Implement training programs for frontline workers to educate them about the changes in EWS access and how to adapt to the new licensing requirements. This will enhance user experience and reduce confusion as the deadline approaches.
- next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule sessions to inform users about the changes. Create a feedback loop to address any issues users may encounter post-training.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Department Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Monitoring and Reporting Tools
Develop or enhance monitoring tools to track EWS access requests and failures. This will provide insights into how many users are affected by the licensing changes and help in planning further actions or support needed.
- next-steps: Research existing monitoring solutions that can be integrated with Exchange Online to track EWS access and generate reports. Evaluate the feasibility of developing custom solutions if necessary.
- roles: IT Operations, Data Analysts, System Administrators
- references: https://aka.ms/EWSLicenseChanges
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 1 week ago ago
