IT teams running automated Exchange Online tasks gained breathing room this week. Microsoft pushed back the retirement of the legacy -Credential parameter by six months. This delay gives administrators time to update scripts that rely on older authentication methods. The change directly impacts organizations managing large-scale automation workflows.
IT admins gain six months to update automation scripts before legacy auth cutoff
The adjustment targets the Exchange Online PowerShell module. It specifically affects the Connect-ExchangeOnline and Connect-IppsSession cmdlets. Microsoft moved the deprecation date from July 2026 to December 2026. This shift follows direct feedback from IT professionals who highlighted the operational risk of a sudden cutoff.
Scripts using the -Credential parameter will continue to function on modules released before December 2026. The delay covers client-side changes only. Server-side retirement remains scheduled for a later, unspecified date. Administrators can maintain existing automation without immediate interruption while they plan their migration.
Microsoft recommends moving to modern authentication standards. Supported methods include multi-factor authentication, app-only access, or managed identity. The company notes that some cmdlets remain incompatible with credential-based authentication even after this delay. Teams should consult the official documentation for the specific list of affected commands.
Administrators expressed frustration over the initial timeline. One IT admin noted that the impact was significant enough to require rewriting many automation scripts. Another questioned why the change was not communicated through the O365 Admin Center messages. These concerns prompted the six-month extension.
Discussion
0 comments
Log in to join the thread with a thoughtful take, question, or correction.