check before: 2025-05-15
Product:
Exchange, OneDrive, Outlook, SharePoint, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The new Outlook for Windows will allow opening and saving classic email attachments offline, starting mid-May 2025 rollout. This requires enabling offline mode and attachment syncing in settings and depends on the existing OWAMailboxPolicy OfflineEnabledWin configuration. OneDrive and SharePoint links still need internet access.
Details:
Updated August 27, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We are adding more functionality to offline mode in the new Outlook for Windows. You will now be able to open and save attachments from your emails without an internet connection.
Please note that this is only scoped to classic file attachments. OneDrive and SharePoint links in the body of the emails will still need a connection to be opened.
For this functionality to work you need to make sure Offline is enabled and offline attachments are enabled.
At the user level you can verify this by checking two settings in new Outlook Settings - General - Offline:
Enable offline email, calendar and people
Include file attachments
This functionality will also be enabled or disabled based on the True/False behavior of the already existing Mailbox Policy: OWAMailboxPolicy- OfflineEnabledWin.
Attachments from emails within the timeframe and folder scope selected in the "Settings - General - Offline" will be synced and available locally for users to open without an internet connection.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 472026
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-August 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late August 2025 and expect to complete by mid-September 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-04-04
updated:
2025-08-28
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Offline Attachment Access
Users may be unable to access important email attachments while offline if the offline mode and attachment syncing are not properly configured, leading to potential delays in work and communication.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Dependency on Mailbox Policy
If the OWAMailboxPolicy is not set to allow offline access, users will not be able to utilize the new offline attachment feature, resulting in frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, System Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Limited Access to OneDrive and SharePoint Links
Users will still require an internet connection to access OneDrive and SharePoint links in emails, which may disrupt workflows if users are unaware of this limitation.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Productivity
Allowing users to open and save attachments offline can significantly improve productivity, especially for employees who travel frequently or work in areas with unstable internet connections. This functionality minimizes disruptions and allows for seamless workflow.
- next-steps: Communicate the new feature to users and provide training on how to enable offline mode and attachment syncing. Monitor user feedback and adoption rates post-implementation.
- roles: Remote Workers, Sales Teams, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Improved IT Support Efficiency
With the ability to access attachments offline, users may experience fewer issues related to connectivity, leading to a reduction in support tickets related to email access problems. This allows IT support to focus on more critical issues.
- next-steps: Review and analyze support ticket trends before and after the rollout to measure the impact of the offline attachment feature. Adjust support resources accordingly based on findings.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Streamlined IT Policy Management
The integration of offline attachment functionality aligns with existing policies (OWAMailboxPolicy), allowing for easier management of user settings and configurations. This can reduce administrative overhead and streamline IT operations.
- next-steps: Review current policies related to offline settings and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance and optimal functionality. Document changes and update IT guidelines accordingly.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-08-28 | MC Last Updated | 08/05/2025 21:48:53 | 2025-08-27T22:01:27Z |
| 2025-08-28 | MC Messages | Updated August 5, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We are adding more functionality to offline mode in the new Outlook for Windows. You will now be able to open and save attachments from your emails without an internet connection. Please note that this is only scoped to classic file attachments. OneDrive and SharePoint links in the body of the emails will still need a connection to be opened. For this functionality to work you need to make sure Offline is enabled and offline attachments are enabled. At the user level you can verify this by checking two settings in new Outlook Settings - General - Offline: Enable offline email, calendar and people Include file attachments This functionality will also be enabled or disabled based on the True/False behavior of the already existing Mailbox Policy: OWAMailboxPolicy- OfflineEnabledWin. Attachments from emails within the timeframe and folder scope selected in the "Settings - General - Offline" will be synced and available locally for users to open without an internet connection. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 472026 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-August 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late August 2025and expect to complete by mid-August 2025. | Updated August 27, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We are adding more functionality to offline mode in the new Outlook for Windows. You will now be able to open and save attachments from your emails without an internet connection. Please note that this is only scoped to classic file attachments. OneDrive and SharePoint links in the body of the emails will still need a connection to be opened. For this functionality to work you need to make sure Offline is enabled and offline attachments are enabled. At the user level you can verify this by checking two settings in new Outlook Settings - General - Offline: Enable offline email, calendar and people Include file attachments This functionality will also be enabled or disabled based on the True/False behavior of the already existing Mailbox Policy: OWAMailboxPolicy- OfflineEnabledWin. Attachments from emails within the timeframe and folder scope selected in the "Settings - General - Offline" will be synced and available locally for users to open without an internet connection. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 472026 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-August 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late August 2025 and expect to complete by mid-September 2025. |
| 2025-08-28 | MC End Time | 09/29/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-10-27T08:00:00Z |
| 2025-08-28 | MC Summary | The new Outlook for Windows will allow opening and saving classic email attachments offline, starting mid-May 2025 rollout. This requires enabling offline mode and attachment sync in settings and depends on the existing OWAMailboxPolicy OfflineEnabledWin configuration. OneDrive and SharePoint links still need internet access. | The new Outlook for Windows will allow opening and saving classic email attachments offline, starting mid-May 2025 rollout. This requires enabling offline mode and attachment syncing in settings and depends on the existing OWAMailboxPolicy OfflineEnabledWin configuration. OneDrive and SharePoint links still need internet access. |
| 2025-08-06 | MC Messages | We are adding more functionality to offline mode in the new Outlook for Windows. You will now be able to open and save attachments from your emails without an internet connection.
Please note that this is only scoped to classic file attachments. OneDrive and SharePoint links in the body of the emails will still need a connection to be opened. For this functionality to work you need to make sure Offline is enabled and offline attachments are enabled. At the user level you can verify this by checking two settings in new Outlook Settings - General - Offline: Enable offline email, calendar and people Include file attachments This functionality will also be enabled or disabled based on the True/False behavior of the already existing Mailbox Policy: OWAMailboxPolicy- OfflineEnabledWin. Attachments from emails within the timeframe and folder scope selected in the "Settings - General - Offline" will be synced and available locally for users to open without an internet connection. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 472026 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-July 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on mid-July 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025. | Updated August 5, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We are adding more functionality to offline mode in the new Outlook for Windows. You will now be able to open and save attachments from your emails without an internet connection. Please note that this is only scoped to classic file attachments. OneDrive and SharePoint links in the body of the emails will still need a connection to be opened. For this functionality to work you need to make sure Offline is enabled and offline attachments are enabled. At the user level you can verify this by checking two settings in new Outlook Settings - General - Offline: Enable offline email, calendar and people Include file attachments This functionality will also be enabled or disabled based on the True/False behavior of the already existing Mailbox Policy: OWAMailboxPolicy- OfflineEnabledWin. Attachments from emails within the timeframe and folder scope selected in the "Settings - General - Offline" will be synced and available locally for users to open without an internet connection. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 472026 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-August 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late August 2025and expect to complete by mid-August 2025. |
| 2025-08-06 | MC Title | Outlook: open attachments while offline in the new Outlook for Windows | (Updated) Outlook: open attachments while offline in the new Outlook for Windows |
| 2025-08-06 | MC Last Updated | 04/04/2025 04:54:45 | 2025-08-05T21:48:53Z |
| 2025-08-06 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, Admin impact |
| 2025-08-06 | MC Summary | The new Outlook for Windows will allow opening and saving classic email attachments offline, starting mid-May 2025 rollout. This requires enabling offline mode and attachment sync in settings and depends on the existing OWAMailboxPolicy OfflineEnabledWin configuration. OneDrive and SharePoint links still need internet access. |
Last updated 4 months ago ago
