Preparing for Microsoft InfoPath End of Support (July 2026): Migration Guide
Dealing with legacy software deprecation can be stressful, but getting ahead of Microsoft's upcoming platform changes will ensure your business data remains secure, compliant, and accessible without interruption.
Problem Description: InfoPath 2026 Retirement Impact
Microsoft has officially announced that InfoPath will reach its end of support (EOS) on July 14, 2026. While your existing forms may technically continue to function on environments like SharePoint Server Subscription Edition after this date, they will no longer receive software fixes, bug patches, or critical security updates. Continuing to rely on an unsupported framework exposes your SharePoint environment to security vulnerabilities and compliance risks.
Quick Answer for InfoPath Sunset Planning
To safely navigate this transition, immediately begin auditing your current SharePoint environment to document dependencies. Plan a phased migration of your critical workflows to Microsoft Power Apps or custom SharePoint forms, treating any remaining InfoPath deployments as a temporary, strictly isolated transition state.
Likely Causes Behind Microsoft Deprecating InfoPath
- Outdated Architecture: InfoPath relies on legacy codebases that do not align with modern web standards, mobile responsiveness, or cloud-first enterprise environments.
- Shift to the Power Platform: Microsoft has consolidated its business process automation and form-building tools into the Power Platform (specifically Power Apps and Power Automate), which offer significantly deeper integration and security.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Maintaining secure architecture for outdated client-based form software is no longer sustainable alongside modern SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365 updates.
Recommended Solution: Phased Form Migration Strategy
- Audit and Document Dependencies: Run an inventory check across your SharePoint environment to identify all active InfoPath forms. Document their data connections, custom code, and associated workflows.
- Isolate Critical Workloads: For forms that cannot be migrated immediately, ensure they are operating in heavily monitored, isolated environments. Treat these unsupported deployments purely as a transition state.
- Test Forms Against Platform Changes: If you are upgrading to SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, test your existing legacy forms in a sandbox environment to identify broken data connections or formatting errors prior to the 2026 cutoff.
- Rebuild in Power Apps: Select your most security-sensitive and business-critical forms first. Recreate the user interface and data logic using Microsoft Power Apps, which natively integrates with SharePoint lists and modern cloud infrastructure.
- Deploy Custom SharePoint Forms: For simpler data-entry tasks that do not require complex Power Apps logic, use SharePoint's native, out-of-the-box form customization features to replace basic InfoPath functionality.
Alternative Solutions for Legacy SharePoint Forms
- Third-Party Form Builders: If Power Apps does not suit your business model, consider migrating to enterprise third-party SharePoint integration tools such as Nintex Forms, Plumsail, or Jotform Enterprise.
- SharePoint Framework (SPFx): For highly customized requirements, your development team can build bespoke web parts and forms using modern web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React) deployed via the SPFx.
Working with WPS Office: Alternative Document Solutions
While WPS Office does not natively build or host SharePoint web forms to replace InfoPath, it is an excellent solution for organizations looking to standardize their offline, fillable document templates. If some of your legacy forms do not need to be hosted on SharePoint and can be converted into standard desktop files, WPS Office allows you to create fillable Word and PDF forms efficiently. As a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Office enables your team to design, share, and collaborate on essential business documents without expensive subscription overhead.
Prevention Tips for Secure Form Transitions
- Halt New InfoPath Development: Instantly implement a company-wide policy forbidding the creation of any new InfoPath forms.
- Train Staff on Power Platform: Invest in training for your IT and administrative teams to familiarize them with Power Apps and Power Automate well before the deadline.
- Regular Data Backups: Ensure all SharePoint lists tied to legacy forms are backed up regularly during the migration testing phases to prevent data loss.
FAQs About SharePoint Form Modernization
Will my InfoPath forms instantly break on July 14, 2026?
No, the forms will not automatically delete or instantly break on that exact date if you are on supported infrastructure (like SharePoint Server Subscription Edition). However, they will lose all technical support and security updates, making them a major security risk to your network.
Is there an automated tool to convert InfoPath to Power Apps?
Microsoft does not offer a 1:1 automated conversion tool because the underlying architectures are entirely different. Forms must be manually rebuilt or transitioned using Power Apps, though the original SharePoint lists holding the data can be preserved and connected to the new app.
Can I continue using InfoPath Designer 2013?
InfoPath Designer 2013 is tied to the same July 2026 end-of-support lifecycle. After this date, using the client software exposes your local machine and enterprise network to unpatched vulnerabilities.




