Microsoft Purview Sensitivity Labels: Sensitivity label grouping modernization coming this fall (?)

There is a change coming to Microsoft Purview Information Protection that simplifies sensitivity label architecture. The goal is to make label management easier, more scalable, and less rigid for organizations. The new model will only include standalone labels and sublabels. Parent labels will be replaced by label groups, which act as organizational containers. These groups cannot be applied to content and have no actions or scope, but they retain color and priority for visual organization. Hopefully, this change will make it much easier to move labels around and make other changes in production: for example, converting a standalone label into a sublabel or moving sublabels between groups without breaking dependencies.  From my experience, this update solves one of the biggest challenges in large environments: rigid label hierarchies. The new dynamic model gives admins the agility they need to adapt quickly as compliance and business needs evolve. For admins, migration will be quic...

EWS in Exchange online is about to be retired

In 2018, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of feature updates to Exchange Web Services (EWS) in Exchange Online, urging developers to transition to Microsoft Graph. Now, Microsoft has announced that starting October 1, 2026, EWS requests from non-Microsoft applications to Exchange Online will be blocked.

This is a significant change that emphasizes the need for IT departments to take action. It's crucial to start mapping existing tools, scripts, or integrations that rely on EWS and plan for their transition.

There's no direct way to opt out of this change. The change only applies to Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online. EWS in Exchange Server will not be affected.