Microsoft 365’s best-kept secret is leaving the Windows desktop
January 8, 2026
What you need to know
The Windows app for Sway will be retired on June 1, 2026.
Sway users will continue to be able to use all of the app’s features through the web.
Sway is a free app that gains enhanced functionality when you are subscribed to Microsoft 365.
In a recent announcement, Microsoft confirmed that the desktop version of its lesser-known application, Sway, will be phased out on June 1, 2026. While this may raise eyebrows among those unfamiliar with the tool, Sway will persist as a web-based service, allowing users to access its full range of features without interruption.
The transition to a web-only model is designed to ensure that no existing Sway content is lost, and the application’s functionality will remain intact. Users can continue to create engaging presentations, newsletters, and reports through the browser interface at sway.cloud.microsoft.
For those who may not have explored Sway, it serves as a creative companion to PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 applications, offering a cloud-first approach that supports a variety of embedded content. Although it is available for free to anyone with a Microsoft account, a subscription to Microsoft 365 unlocks additional features, including increased limits on images, videos, and embeds.
Interestingly, Sway seems to exist somewhat in the shadows of Microsoft’s broader product offerings. Despite its capabilities, the application is notably absent from the Microsoft 365 product page, leaving many users unaware of its existence. The official Sway website still references “Office 365,” a nod to its origins that may contribute to the confusion surrounding its branding.
As the tech giant continues to evolve its suite of productivity tools, Sway remains a unique option for those looking to create dynamic content. With the impending retirement of its desktop app, the focus will shift entirely to its web platform, ensuring that users can still harness its potential in their creative endeavors.
Have you ever used Sway to make a presentation? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
Microsoft 365’s best-kept secret is leaving the Windows desktop
What you need to know
In a recent announcement, Microsoft confirmed that the desktop version of its lesser-known application, Sway, will be phased out on June 1, 2026. While this may raise eyebrows among those unfamiliar with the tool, Sway will persist as a web-based service, allowing users to access its full range of features without interruption.
The transition to a web-only model is designed to ensure that no existing Sway content is lost, and the application’s functionality will remain intact. Users can continue to create engaging presentations, newsletters, and reports through the browser interface at sway.cloud.microsoft.
For those who may not have explored Sway, it serves as a creative companion to PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 applications, offering a cloud-first approach that supports a variety of embedded content. Although it is available for free to anyone with a Microsoft account, a subscription to Microsoft 365 unlocks additional features, including increased limits on images, videos, and embeds.
Interestingly, Sway seems to exist somewhat in the shadows of Microsoft’s broader product offerings. Despite its capabilities, the application is notably absent from the Microsoft 365 product page, leaving many users unaware of its existence. The official Sway website still references “Office 365,” a nod to its origins that may contribute to the confusion surrounding its branding.
As the tech giant continues to evolve its suite of productivity tools, Sway remains a unique option for those looking to create dynamic content. With the impending retirement of its desktop app, the focus will shift entirely to its web platform, ensuring that users can still harness its potential in their creative endeavors.
Have you ever used Sway to make a presentation? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!