Microsoft Whiteboard is not shutting down, but you still may lose access next month

A hand holding an iPhone displaying a black hand-drawn question mark in the Microsoft Whiteboard app, resting over a sticker-covered laptop.

Microsoft Whiteboard will still be available after August 22, 2026, but you may not be able to use it. After that date, the app will require a Microsoft Business account. Users with personal accounts will still be able to view and export previously created content for a short time, but they will not be able to create or edit whiteboards. After September 5, 2026, personal users will have their content deleted.

The change is happening because Microsoft is moving storage for Microsoft Whiteboard to OneDrive for Business. That transition will also bring new features and other changes. A side effect is that people without a business account will be left out of the Whiteboard experience.

If you are signed into Microsoft Whiteboard with a personal account, you'll be met with the following message when you open the app:

"Microsoft Whiteboard for Microsoft account is being retired

Starting from August 22, 2026, you will no longer be able to create or edit whiteboards. However, you can continue to view and export them until September 5, 2026, after which they will be permanently deleted. Please export any whiteboards you'd like to keep."

Reddit user "DownhillHasASign" asked about the warning message and others were quick to clarify the situation.

Best Microsoft Whiteboard alternative on Windows 11

Markerpad uses significantly less RAM than Microsoft Whiteboard, but at the expense of not syncing through the web. (Image credit: Microsoft | Jenius Apps | Edited with Gemini)

Earlier this year I took a closer look at Markerpad as an alternative to Microsoft Whiteboard. Markerpad is a lightweight app that's incredibly snappy.

Markerpad is a native application that feels more responsive than Microsoft's offering, but it comes with tradeoffs. The biggest one is that Markerpad is for local use. It does not support syncing to the web or online collaboration.

If you just want a whiteboard app for quick sketches or content you plan to share through another app, Markerpad is an excellent choice.

I need to test alternatives for Microsoft Whiteboard that support online collaboration. One of the most popular choices is Miro, though that app requires a monthly subscription to use more than three boards. I would appreciate suggestions for which apps to try, so please share in the comments.

Of course, if you're a business user you can continue to use Microsoft Whiteboard. It's a solid choice for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem and that have a Microsoft Business account.

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