Preparing for the End of InfoPath Support in 2026

Understanding the Implications of InfoPath's End of Support

InfoPath, launched in 2003, was once a popular choice for creating custom forms. However, it has struggled to meet the demands of modern organizations. Key issues include:

• Limited integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, restricting collaboration.

• Outdated architecture that can lead to compatibility challenges, particularly with new Microsoft features.

• Security risks that will increase after 2026, as unpatched vulnerabilities may expose sensitive data.

  
  

Microsoft has clearly stated that Power Apps is the recommended solution moving forward.

Editor's Update (July 2026): InfoPath has now officially reached end of support. While this article was originally written to help organizations prepare for retirement, the guidance remains relevant for organizations that are still modernizing legacy InfoPath solutions.

Risks of Waiting Until 2026

If your organization delays the transition to Power Apps until after InfoPath support ends, you may face several significant risks:

• Unsupported forms that no longer receive critical updates or security patches, increasing your vulnerability to attacks.

• Data vulnerabilities due to unaddressed security gaps, which could lead to costly breaches.

• Business disruption if essential forms fail, which can halt operations and affect productivity. In a survey, 43% of businesses reported disruptions from unsupported software.

• Compliance concerns in regulated industries, where failing to update software may lead to legal penalties.

  
  

As we approach July 2026, the urgency to migrate will only increase, leaving many organizations scrambling to address these issues last minute.

The Modern Path Forward: Power Platform

To future-proof your operations, Microsoft recommends migrating to the Power Platform. Here’s how each tool can benefit your organization:

• Power Apps: Replace InfoPath forms with user-friendly apps accessible on mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for employees who work remotely. For example, a company that transitioned reported a 30% increase in employee productivity due to easier access to forms.

  
  

• Power Automate: Streamline and automate workflows previously triggered by InfoPath forms. This ensures processes run smoothly and reduces the manual steps required.

  
  

• Dataverse or SharePoint: Use these platforms to securely store your form data. According to Microsoft, organizations that use these tools see a 50% decrease in data retrieval times.

  
  

• Power BI: Gain real-time insights into form submissions and workflow performance. Businesses using Power BI have noted up to a 60% improvement in decision-making speed due to enhanced data visibility.

  
  

Together, these tools create a powerful, scalable solution that meets today’s workflow needs.

How to Start the Transition

Audit Your Current Forms

Start by listing all the InfoPath forms currently in use. Identify their purpose, frequency of use, and data collected to know which forms to tackle first.

Engage Stakeholders

Gather input from different departments to fully understand their needs. For instance, HR may require quick form submissions for hiring, while finance may need complex data validations.

Choose the Right Tools

Familiarize yourself with the Power Platform tools. Power Apps will be your main tool for forms, and Power Automate will optimize workflows. A solid understanding of how these tools interconnect is essential.

Plan Your Migration Strategy

Create a detailed plan outlining timelines, resource allocation, and responsibilities. A phased approach can help reduce disruptions and allow for iteration based on user feedback.

Build and Test

Start developing your new forms in Power Apps. It's critical to test these with actual users, gathering insights and adjusting features before widespread rollout.

Train Your Team

Offer training sessions to ensure everyone feels confident with the new tools. This investment in education fosters smoother transitions and better acceptance of the system.

Monitor and Optimize

After deployment, keep an eye on the performance of your new forms and workflows. Utilize Power BI to analyze user interactions and workflow efficiency. Be ready to tweak processes based on this data.

Why Start Planning Now?

By beginning in late 2025, you’ll have enough time to:

• Migrate without business disruption

• Train staff on new tools

• Ensure compliance and security are built in

• Spread out the project costs over multiple phases

  
  

Waiting until 2026 risks rushed projects, higher costs, and operational gaps.

The Benefits of Transitioning Early

Transitioning early allows organizations to adapt to new technologies without the pressure of an impending deadline. It also provides the opportunity to innovate processes and improve overall efficiency. By embracing the Power Platform now, businesses can enhance their capabilities and stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Final Thoughts

InfoPath’s retirement is not just the end of an era; it’s an opportunity. Organizations that take action now can not only replace InfoPath but also modernize their business processes with Power Apps and the Microsoft Power Platform.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Start planning your strategy today, and your business will be ready for July 2026 with stronger, smarter solutions in place.

Need help mapping your InfoPath exit strategy? Let’s connect to discuss a roadmap that works for your organization.