SharePoint 2013 Workflow Retirement: What You Need to Know

SharePoint has long been a go-to platform for building internal systems. From HR forms to finance approvals, many teams still count on SharePoint workflows to keep things moving behind the scenes. But like all tech, SharePoint evolves — and the tools behind it are evolving too.

In 2020, Microsoft began phasing out SharePoint 2013 workflows, especially for newly created tenants in SharePoint Online. That was the first major shift. Now, full retirement is coming, and organizations that still depend on these legacy workflows need to take action.

If your business still uses SharePoint 2013 workflows, now is the time to evaluate what’s running, what’s at risk, and what needs to be modernized. Waiting too long could lead to broken automations and avoidable disruptions.

With the right approach, you can replace outdated tools without disrupting your team's workflow or starting over from scratch.

Why Is SharePoint 2013 Workflow Being Retired?

Microsoft is retiring SharePoint 2013 workflows because they weren’t built for today’s cloud-connected world. These legacy workflows depend on outdated tools like SharePoint Designer, and they don’t offer the flexibility, visibility, or integration modern teams need. Microsoft has already removed support for newly created tenants and set a firm retirement date for SharePoint Online in 2026.

But Power Automate (Microsoft’s suggested replacement) isn’t always enough. Power Automate works for simple cases, but it can hit roadblocks in hybrid setups or when workflows get more complex. AgilePoint gives you more room to work. You can rebuild what you need, connect cloud and on-prem systems, and keep control, without getting boxed into a single platform.

Key Retirement Dates You Should Know

Microsoft began phasing out SharePoint 2013 workflows in 2020. That August, SharePoint Online stopped enabling them for newly created tenants. Existing tenants were allowed to continue using them temporarily, but that window is closing fast.

By 2026, these workflows will stop functioning entirely in SharePoint Online. Any business still depending on them will experience failure across approval chains, routing logic, and automated task handling unless they migrate in time.

Also worth noting: SharePoint Designer 2013 is no longer supported. That means you can’t fix or rebuild those workflows in their current form. Planning your move now avoids being caught off guard later.

How Will SharePoint 2013's Retirement Impact Your Business?

How much this hits your team depends on how much you still lean on SharePoint workflows. Some teams might barely notice the change. Others could end up scrambling when workflows tied to things like onboarding or finance suddenly stop working.

If your team relies on these workflows for critical tasks (approvals, compliance, routing), you can’t afford to ignore this. Workflows built in SharePoint Designer may be harder to recover, especially if there’s no documentation or ownership.

This isn’t only a tech issue. If you’re not ready, it could mess with reporting, slow things down, and create gaps between teams that rely on these workflows every day.

Available Alternatives to SharePoint 2013 Workflows

The strongest alternative to SharePoint 2013 workflows is AgilePoint. Unlike Power Automate, which is limited to the Microsoft ecosystem, AgilePoint supports cross-system orchestration — connecting SharePoint Online, on-prem, and third-party systems like Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, and more. It’s built for real-world complexity, not just lightweight automation.

AgilePoint makes it easier to rebuild or modernize legacy workflows without starting from scratch. You can extend them, integrate with modern apps, and manage everything from a central place with governance built in. Whether you're replacing a single approval flow or reworking an enterprise-wide process, AgilePoint gives you the control and flexibility to move forward without disruption.

How to Prepare for Migration

Start by identifying which SharePoint 2013 workflows are still active, even the ones that run quietly in the background. Document what each one does, where it lives, and how critical it is to day-to-day work. Once that’s clear, prioritize what needs rebuilding versus retiring. AgilePoint helps you see what’s connected to what and spot trouble before it becomes a problem.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start with what matters most. If you’re working in a hybrid environment, AgilePoint’s support for SharePoint Online and on-prem makes the transition smoother. When you plan early, you have space to rebuild without throwing your teams off track.

Migration Best Practices

With AgilePoint, you can approach migration in phases. Start by converting high-impact workflows that are easier to replicate or improve. Use AgilePoint’s drag-and-drop builder to recreate logic, then test each workflow in a controlled environment before going live. If needed, AgilePoint supports deeper customization through code, giving developers full flexibility.

Version control, user roles, and centralized governance help you avoid chaos as your workflows scale. Involve key business users early to validate functionality and keep everyone aligned. The best migrations aren’t rushed. Rather, they’re steady, intentional, and guided by what your business actually needs, not what a tool limits you to.

Common Migration Challenges to Watch Out For

Legacy workflows often hide complexity. Maybe they’ve been patched over time, or built using SharePoint Designer functions that don’t translate well to modern platforms. AgilePoint helps surface these issues early, making them easier to address.

Gaps between cloud and on-prem systems also cause trouble. AgilePoint bridges both, but validating connections, security, and data flow is still essential. Another common pain point is permissions. During migration, access issues can lead to broken automations or compliance risks.

And don’t forget documentation. If no one remembers why a workflow exists, rebuilding it may be unnecessary — or worse, you might recreate a problem you no longer need.

Final Thoughts

The end of SharePoint 2013 workflows isn’t just another update — it’s a turning point. But it doesn’t have to be a disruption. AgilePoint gives you the tools to rebuild smarter, connect systems that were previously siloed, and modernize without losing the workflows that matter.

Instead of trying to rewire everything in a rush, you can take a thoughtful, phased approach. Whether you’re dealing with a few high-risk flows or replacing your entire automation stack, AgilePoint helps you do it right.

SharePoint 2013 workflows may be on their way out, but your operations don’t have to take a hit. AgilePoint helps you modernize on your terms without scrapping what works.

FAQ

When is SharePoint 2013 workflow officially retired?

Microsoft will retire SharePoint 2013 workflows in 2026 for SharePoint Online. Support for newly created tenants already ended in 2020. If you're still using these workflows, now is the time to evaluate replacements like AgilePoint that can handle both cloud and on-prem environments before the cutoff disrupts business-critical automation.

What happens to my existing workflows after retirement?

After retirement, SharePoint 2013 workflows will stop running in SharePoint Online. That means approvals, routing, and other automation tied to them will fail. AgilePoint helps you rebuild and extend those workflows in a modern, governed environment — without losing the logic or functionality your teams rely on every day.

Does this affect on-premises SharePoint servers?

The retirement specifically targets SharePoint Online, but hybrid and on-prem setups aren’t off the hook. Microsoft’s focus is now squarely on the cloud, which means long-term support for older setups is uncertain. AgilePoint works across both environments, so you can keep what you have running now while building toward whatever comes next.

What should I replace SharePoint 2013 workflows with?

Microsoft recommends Power Automate, but many teams find it too limited. AgilePoint is a stronger alternative since it supports cross-system automation, integrates with both SharePoint Online and on-prem, and offers built-in governance and scalability. You can rebuild what works and improve what doesn’t, all in a low-code environment that fits your needs.