check before: 2026-06-01
Product:
Sway, Windows
Platform:
Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Sway Windows desktop app will be retired on June 1, 2026. Users should transition to the web version at sway.cloud.microsoft, which retains all features and content. Admins should update documentation and inform helpdesk staff; no admin changes or compliance issues are expected.
Details:
[Introduction]
To streamline and modernize the Sway experience, Microsoft is retiring the Sway Windows desktop application (Win32 client) effective June 1, 2026. This change aligns with our efforts to simplify app management and encourage use of the web-based version, which offers the same capabilities with improved accessibility and support. Users can access all current and future Sway features, as well as their content, through the browser interface at sway.cloud.microsoft.
[When this will happen:]
Retirement date: June 1, 2026
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-06
updated:
2026-01-06
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**
Retirement of Sway Windows Desktop App
Users will lose access to the Sway Windows desktop application, potentially disrupting their workflow if they are not prepared to transition to the web version.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
- references: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/
User Experience Disruption
Users accustomed to the desktop app may experience frustration and a learning curve when transitioning to the web version, impacting productivity.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/
Documentation and Training Gaps
If documentation and training materials are not updated in advance, users may struggle to find guidance on using the web version effectively.
- roles: Admins, Helpdesk Staff
- references: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/
Increased Helpdesk Inquiries
Without proper communication and preparation, helpdesk staff may face an influx of inquiries from users confused about the retirement of the desktop app.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/
Potential Data Access Issues
Users may worry about accessing their existing content if they are not informed that all content will remain available on the web version.
- roles: End Users, Data Managers
- references: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft is planning to retire the Sway Windows desktop app on June 1, 2026. This means that the app you might be using on your computer will no longer be available. Instead, you'll need to use the web version of Sway, which you can access through your internet browser at sway.cloud.microsoft.
Think of it like this: imagine your favorite coffee shop in town decides to close its physical location and only offer delivery or pickup through an app. You can still get your favorite coffee, but now you just order it online and enjoy it at home. Similarly, with Sway, you can still create and view all your presentations, but you'll do it through your web browser instead of a separate app on your computer.
For those managing office installations or training materials, it's important to update any guides or instructions that mention the Sway desktop app. This ensures everyone knows to use the web version moving forward. It's like updating a company handbook when a new policy is introduced, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
There are no changes to the content or features of Sway itself, just the way you access it. This transition doesn't require any special configuration changes from administrators, and there are no compliance issues to worry about. It's simply a shift from using a desktop app to using a web-based platform.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 1 month ago ago
