492743 – Exchange: Exchange Online Moderation approval requests via Actionable Messages

Product:

Exchange, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

The Exchange Online Moderation feature gives message moderators the ability to Approve or Reject sending a moderated message to its intended recipients via a special email message form that includes Approve and Reject buttons in the Outlook Desktop or Outlook on the web toolbar. However, the ability to approve or reject a moderated message currently isn't supported on Outlook for iOS, Outlook for Android, or Outlook for Mac. With this update to use Actionable Messages for moderation approval messages, moderators with mailboxes hosted in Exchange Online will now be able to approve or reject moderated messages via all the Microsoft email clients: from Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, Outlook for iOS and Outlook for Android.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-07

updated:
2025-08-21

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Increased User Frustration
Users may experience frustration due to the inability to approve or reject moderated messages on certain platforms (iOS, Android, Mac) if the change is implemented without proper communication and training.
   - roles: End Users, Moderators
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/exchange-online-moderation-approval-requests-via-actionable/ba-p/3651230

Reduced Productivity
If moderators are unaware of the new moderation process or how to use it across different platforms, it may lead to delays in message approvals, impacting overall productivity.
   - roles: Moderators, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/exchange-online-moderation-approval-requests-via-actionable/ba-p/3651230

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you are the manager of a large office building. Every day, packages arrive at the front desk, and you have to decide whether they should be delivered to the intended recipients or returned to the sender. Previously, you could only make these decisions if you were physically present at the front desk. If you were working from a different location or using a different device, you couldn't make these decisions.

In the world of email, a similar situation occurs with moderated messages. These are emails that need approval before they reach their intended recipients. Previously, if you were a message moderator using Exchange Online, you could only approve or reject these messages using Outlook on a desktop or through the web. This was like having to be at the front desk to make decisions about the packages.

Now, with the introduction of Actionable Messages, it's as if you have been given a special remote control that allows you to approve or reject packages from anywhere, using any device. Whether you're using Outlook on a Windows computer, a Mac, or even on your smartphone with iOS or Android, you can now make these decisions. This update makes it much more convenient for you to manage these approvals, no matter where you are or what device you're using.

This change is especially useful for those who need to stay connected and responsive, regardless of their location or the device they have at hand. It's like having the ability to manage your office responsibilities seamlessly, even when you're not at your desk.