Understanding Exchange Web Services (EWS) and Public Folders
Public Folders have been a staple of Microsoft Exchange for years, and they remain critical for many organizations. Despite Microsoft’s encouragement to migrate away from Public Folders, no one-size-fits-all alternative exists. This has caused confusion as migration options vary, and each has its own pros and cons. In some cases, organizations may need to split Public Folders across multiple destinations, requiring careful planning.
Microsoft Graph API and Its Impact on Public Folders
Exchange Web Services (EWS) has been the primary API for Exchange migrations since Exchange 2007, enabling efficient bulk migration of Public Folder content compared to the older MAPI protocol. Microsoft is now transitioning to the Microsoft Graph API, a modern, cross-service API for Microsoft 365. While this improves security and modernization, Microsoft Graph currently does not support Public Folder migration, making it important for organizations to adopt alternative migration approaches such as the Public Folder Connector before EWS is retired.
Will Microsoft Graph Support Public Folders?
As of now, Microsoft does not provide API support for importing or exporting Public Folder data in Exchange Online. By October 2026, migration options for Public Folders in Exchange Online will be significantly limited.
See how the Public Folder Connector helps move Public Folder content to SharePoint Online, Shared Mailboxes, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for Business while preparing for the retirement of Exchange Web Services (EWS).
Since EWS will continue to be supported for on-premises Exchange, your data there is safe from the deprecation. However, migrating to Microsoft 365 will require alternative solutions.
Key Questions to Consider:
- Who in my organization is using Public Folders?
- How are they using Public Folders?
- Which migration destination most closely matches our usage patterns?
Migration Destination Options:
- Mail-Enabled Public Folders → Shared Mailboxes
- Mail-Enabled Public Folders → Microsoft 365 Groups
Each option has pros and cons. Review carefully before migrating to ensure continuity.
Your Options for Exchange Online Public Folders
With no Graph API support, taking proactive steps is critical:
- Backup Your Public Folders
Backing up Public Folders protects your data and may provide migration options independent of Microsoft APIs. The Public Folder Connector helps organizations migrate Public Folder content while preserving folder hierarchy and important metadata. It supports migrations to SharePoint Online, Shared Mailboxes, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for Business, making it easier to transition away from Exchange Web Services before its retirement.
- Migrate to Modern Microsoft 365 Destinations While EWS Is Still Available
- Shared Mailboxes
- SharePoint Online
- OneDrive for Business
- Microsoft Teams channels or Groups
Migrating now with the Public Folder Connector gives your organization greater flexibility and more time to complete a smooth transition before Exchange Web Services reaches end of life..
Recommended Next Steps
- Evaluate your Public Folder usage today.
- Decide which alternative destination best fits your organization’s needs.
- Implement backups and plan migration while EWS is still available.
- Explore the Public Folder Connector to see how you can migrate Public Folder content to SharePoint Online, Shared Mailboxes, Microsoft Teams, or OneDrive for Business before the October 2026 retirement of Exchange Web Services.
