smtp authentication

Discussions on WindowsForum.com about SMTP authentication focus on Microsoft's phased deprecation of Basic Authentication for SMTP AUTH in Exchange Online. Key topics include the updated timeline where SMTP AUTH Basic Authentication will be disabled by default for existing tenants at the end of December 2026, with administrators able to re-enable it, and unavailable by default for new tenants created after that date. The content emphasizes the need for IT admins to inventory legacy SMTP AUTH usage, remediate dependencies, and migrate to modern authentication methods like OAuth. The tag covers migration planning, default policy changes, and operational impacts for organizations relying on SMTP AUTH for email flow.