Microsoft Graph

What is Microsoft Graph?

Microsoft Graph is a unified API platform that connects to a wide range of Microsoft 365 services, enabling developers and IT admins to access data and intelligence across Microsoft 365, Windows, and Enterprise Mobility + Security.

At its core, Microsoft Graph allows you to query and interact with resources like users, groups, mail, calendars, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and more using a single endpoint: https://graph.microsoft.com

It powers countless apps, automations, reports, and integrations across Microsoft environments.

Why Use Microsoft Graph?

Microsoft Graph provides a centralized, secure, and scalable way to work with Microsoft 365 data. Here’s why it’s widely used:

• Unified Access: One endpoint to access hundreds of Microsoft 365 services.
• Automation & Scripting: Manage users, groups, licenses, and apps programmatically.
• Data Insights:Tap into analytics and reporting tools to gain insights.
• Real-Time Interactions: Send Teams messages, create Outlook events, or retrieve files on demand.
• Customization: Build custom apps or workflows that integrate deeply with your Microsoft 365 tenant.

Whether you're building internal tools or enterprise-scale applications, Graph simplifies it all.Whether you're building internal tools or enterprise-scale applications, Graph simplifies it all.

Is Microsoft Graph Free?

Yes, Microsoft Graph is free to use, but there are some conditions:

• Free API Access: No separate license is required to use the Graph API itself.
• Service-Based Access: You can only access data and services that your Microsoft 365 tenant is already licensed for.
• Authentication Required: Requires appropriate permissions via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
• Premium APIs: Some advanced features (like Identity Protection, Secure Score) may require higher-tier licenses (e.g., Microsoft 365 E5).

So while the API layer is free, access depends on the user’s entitlements within Microsoft 365.

Key Features of Microsoft Graph

Feature	Description
Single API Endpoint	Query all Microsoft 365 services from a unified RESTful endpoint
Microsoft Graph Explorer	Try, test, and prototype Graph API calls from your browser
Rich SDKs	Available for .NET, JavaScript, Python, and PowerShell
Real-Time Access	Interact with mail, calendar, Teams, SharePoint, and more
PowerShell Support	Microsoft.Graph PowerShell SDK enables M365 automation
Access Control	Uses OAuth 2.0 and Microsoft Entra ID for secure authentication
Delta Queries	Efficiently sync data by retrieving only changes
Batch Requests	Group multiple API calls into one HTTP request

How to Access Microsoft Graph in Office 365?

You can explore and test Microsoft Graph without writing a single line of code using the Graph Explorer:

Access Graph Explorer via Office 365:

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 at office.com
2. Click the App Launcher (Nine Dots Icon) in the top-left corner.
3. Search for or click on "Graph Explorer". If it’s not listed, click “All Apps” to find it.
4. Alternatively, directly navigate to https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/graph-explorer.

This web-based tool allows you to:

• Run real-time queries (e.g., /me, /users, /groups)
• Use sample data or sign in with your own account
• View request and response details
• Learn Microsoft Graph syntax through interactive examples

Summary

Key Point	Details
Product Name	Microsoft Graph
Purpose	Unified API access to Microsoft 365 data and services
Included In	All Microsoft 365 tenants (based on licensed service access)
Free to Use?	Yes, the API layer is free; access depends on service licensing
Access Method	Graph Explorer (via office.com), SDKs, PowerShell, REST API
Integrates With	Outlook, Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Entra ID