The clock is ticking for organizations that still rely on “classic” SharePoint sites. Microsoft is retiring classic sites and pages in favor of the modern SharePoint experience. Existing content will remain available, but Microsoft will gradually remove the ability to create, edit, and maintain classic pages. Once this process is complete, any remaining pages will become view-only and content owners will no longer be able to make any updates.

While this SharePoint deprecation can create issues for organizations that still use classic SharePoint, it can also offer significant opportunities to remove outdated content and modernize sites to make them easier to access, navigate, search, and maintain.

What Is Changing and When

Microsoft has provided the following deadlines for when the deprecation of classic SharePoint will be completed; however, as many using classic SharePoint are discovering, the process of limiting functionality has already begun.

• March 1, 2027: Organizations will no longer be able to create new classic publishing sites or turn on the classic publishing feature. In Microsoft 365 environments created on or after this date, users also will not be able to create or edit classic pages. Custom code will be turned off by default.
• October 1, 2028: These limits will apply to remaining Microsoft 365 environments. Existing classic pages will become view-only, meaning users can still read them but cannot update them. Organizations will no longer be able to add or update custom code.

After the above deadlines, organizations will still be able to view these pages but will no longer be able to edit them. Standard list and document library views are not currently impacted, although custom code used within them may be affected.

A Practical Modernization Roadmap

These deadlines may seem far away, but identifying classic pages, understanding how they are used, rebuilding features, and testing new sites are all things that can start now to ensure your system remains functional. The following approach can help organizations complete the transition in manageable steps:

1. Find your classic sites and pages. Create a complete list of older sites and pages, who owns them, how often they are used, who can access them, and whether they include forms, workflows, or connections to other systems.
2. Decide what still matters. Confirm which content is current and useful. Remove or archive outdated material, preserve required records, and address the most frequently used or business-critical pages first.
3. Focus on what each page needs to do. Identify the purpose of the sites and pages, how the navigation works, and any special features. Then choose supported Microsoft 365 tools that work in a modern context.
4. Start with a small test group. Modernize less-complex pages first. Check the content, links, images, access settings, navigation, accessibility, mobile display, and related business processes before moving ahead.
5. Complete the work in manageable phases. Group similar pages together, document unusual issues, keep the original pages available while the new versions are reviewed, and obtain approval from content owners before directing users to the new sites.

An Opportunity to Modernize

Beyond responding to the slow deprecation of classic sites, modernizing SharePoint offers significant enhancements that improve user experience and overall site performance, including the following:

• Modern, intuitive interface. The user-friendly interface offers improved navigation, responsive layouts, and better accessibility across devices.
• Performance optimization. Modern SharePoint sites have faster load times and enhanced search capabilities for quicker access to information.
• Flexible modern web parts. Web parts are easily added or modified to update site content.
• Custom workflows and automation. Sites integrate directly with Power Automate, Power Apps, and other apps to build custom workflows and forms.
• Seamless Microsoft 365 integration. Seamlessly connect with Teams, OneDrive, Planner, and other Microsoft 365 apps for better collaboration.

How KTL Can Help

Managing a big technology transition such as this can be daunting. KTL can help guide organizations through each stage, from the initial assessment to implementation and ongoing site management. Support includes:

• Inventorying classic sites and pages, identifying their owners, and documenting connected forms, automated processes, and special features.
• Prioritizing content and business processes based on importance, use, and the risk created if pages can no longer be updated.
• Developing a practical schedule and step-by-step transition plan based on business needs, priorities, and available resources.
• Organizing modern sites so information is easier to find, manage, and maintain.
• Building modern SharePoint sites and using tools such as Power Apps and Power Automate when forms or automated processes are needed.
• Helping content owners review and approve information and providing training and guidance for ongoing site management.

Learn more: Microsoft guidance on the deprecation of classic SharePoint pages.