check before: 2025-05-15
Product:
Exchange, OneDrive, Outlook, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
New feature, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
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.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-04-04
updated:
2025-04-04
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
The new Outlook for Windows will allow users to open and save email attachments offline, provided offline mode is enabled, but links to files on OneDrive or SharePoint will still require an internet connection; this feature will begin rolling out in mid-May 2025 and be generally available by mid-July 2025.
Direct effects for Operations**
Offline Functionality Misconfiguration
If the offline settings are not properly configured before the change, users may be unable to access attachments when offline, leading to disruptions in workflow.
- roles: IT Administrator, End User
- 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
User Experience Degradation
Users may experience frustration if they attempt to open attachments offline without realizing they need to enable specific settings, leading to confusion and decreased productivity.
- roles: End User, Support Staff
- 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
Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are unaware of the new offline functionality and its requirements, straining IT resources.
- roles: Support Staff, IT Administrator
- 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 while offline significantly enhances productivity, especially for those who travel frequently or work in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. This feature reduces downtime and allows employees to work seamlessly without waiting for internet access.
- next-steps: Communicate the new offline functionality to all users and provide training sessions on how to enable and utilize this feature effectively. Monitor user feedback to ensure smooth adoption.
- roles: Employees, Project Managers, Sales Teams
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=472026
Reduced IT Support Queries
With the ability to access attachments offline, users may encounter fewer issues related to accessing email content without an internet connection. This could lead to a decrease in support tickets related to email access problems, allowing IT staff to focus on more critical issues.
- next-steps: Analyze historical support ticket data to identify common issues related to offline access and project a potential reduction in these queries. Adjust IT support resources accordingly to handle other priorities.
- roles: IT Support Staff, System Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-offlineenabledwin
Improved Data Management
The new offline functionality can lead to better data management practices as users can manage their attachments more effectively. This can include organizing files locally, reducing reliance on cloud storage for temporary access, and potentially decreasing storage costs associated with cloud services.
- next-steps: Implement guidelines for best practices on local file management and storage. Encourage users to regularly clean up their local storage to optimize performance and maintain data security.
- roles: Data Managers, Compliance Officers
- references: 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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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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