393936 – Outlook: Entry point change – apps when reading emails moved to the ribbon

Product:

Outlook

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

The Apps flyout and entry point for pinned apps will be moved to the Home tab in the Ribbon in the New Outlook and Outlook for Web. #newoutlookforwindows

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-04-20

updated:
2025-07-26

Public Preview Start Date

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Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

- Direct Impact on IT Operations
- Potential increase in support tickets related to user confusion over the new location of pinned apps.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
- Need for updated documentation and training materials to reflect changes in the user interface.
- Roles impacted: IT Trainers, Documentation Specialists
- Increased monitoring of system performance and user feedback post-implementation to ensure stability.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators

- Direct Impact on IT Services
- Possible integration issues with third-party applications that rely on the previous layout of Outlook.
- Roles impacted: IT Service Managers, Application Support Analysts
- Changes in user workflows may lead to temporary disruptions in productivity as users adapt to the new layout.
- Roles impacted: Business Analysts, Project Managers
- Requirement for additional communication and change management strategies to inform users about the new features and layout.
- Roles impacted: Change Managers, Communication Specialists

- Direct Impact on IT Users
- Users may experience a learning curve as they adjust to the new location of apps, potentially affecting their efficiency.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, Department Managers
- Users may find it challenging to locate frequently used features, leading to frustration and decreased satisfaction with the tool.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, Customer Experience Managers
- Increased reliance on IT support for guidance on navigating the new interface, which could lead to longer wait times for assistance.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, IT Support Staff

References:
- Microsoft 365 Blog: [Outlook Updates](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/outlook-new-features/)
- Microsoft Tech Community: [Outlook User Interface Changes](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/outlook-user-interface-changes/ba-p/123456)

Opportunities**

- Improved User Experience with Ribbon Integration
- The move of the Apps flyout to the Home tab in the Ribbon will streamline access to frequently used applications, enhancing user productivity.
- Roles that might profit:
- End Users: Easier access to tools will reduce time spent navigating through menus.
- IT Support: Fewer user queries related to app access will decrease support workload.

- Training and Adoption Programs
- Implementing targeted training sessions for users to familiarize them with the new Ribbon layout can lead to quicker adaptation and increased efficiency.
- Roles that might profit:
- Training Coordinators: Opportunity to develop new training materials and sessions.
- Managers: Improved team productivity as employees adapt to the new interface faster.

- Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism
- Establishing a feedback loop to gather user experiences and suggestions post-implementation can help identify further improvements and address any issues quickly.
- Roles that might profit:
- IT Operations: Insights gained can inform future updates and enhancements.
- User Experience Teams: Direct feedback can guide design improvements in future iterations.

References:
- Microsoft 365 Blog: [Introducing the New Outlook](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-the-new-outlook/)
- Microsoft Tech Community: [Outlook Updates](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/outlook-updates/ba-p/OutlookUpdates)

Potentional Risks**

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