MC1085133 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Rule-based enablement of Microsoft 365 third-party apps in the Teams admin center

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

485712

Details:

Summary:
Admins can manage Microsoft 365 certified apps in Teams based on rules for enhanced security. The feature rolls out from mid-August to early September 2025 and will be on by default. Review current configurations and notify users. No action is needed if Org-wide app settings are already enabled.

Details:
Updated June 25, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
This feature will empower administrators to manage the availability of trusted Microsoft Teams apps based on rules, for enhanced security. Admins will be able to manage Microsoft 365 certified apps in the Teams admin center through a new control in Org-wide settings. You can further customize the availability of these apps based on permissions accessed and publisher names. The system automatically checks the Microsoft 365 certified apps that meet all the conditions you specify and makes those apps available. Note: This feature will be ON by default.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 485712.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-August 2025 and expect to complete by early September 2025

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-30

updated:
2025-06-26

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing a feature for Teams that allows administrators to manage the availability of Microsoft 365 certified apps using predefined rules, automatically available from mid-August to early September 2025, with a 30-day adjustment period before the settings take full effect.

Direct effects for Operations**

Change in App Availability
The automatic enablement of Microsoft 365 certified apps may lead to unapproved apps being accessible to users, potentially compromising security and compliance.
   - roles: IT Administrator, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

User Confusion
Users may experience confusion or frustration if new apps appear without prior notification or training, impacting their productivity and user experience.
   - roles: End User, Team Leader
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Increased Support Requests
The rollout may lead to an increase in support requests from users encountering issues with newly enabled apps, straining IT resources.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Administrator
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Compliance Risks
If unapproved apps are enabled, it may lead to compliance violations, especially in regulated industries, resulting in potential legal and financial repercussions.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Risk Manager
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Training and Documentation Gaps
Lack of preparation may result in outdated training materials and documentation, leading to user errors and inefficiencies.
   - roles: Training Coordinator, IT Administrator
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced Security Management
The new rule-based management feature allows admins to define specific criteria for the availability of third-party apps, significantly enhancing security by ensuring that only trusted applications are accessible to users. This will help mitigate risks associated with unverified applications.
   - next-steps: Conduct a security audit to identify current third-party apps in use, then establish criteria for app approval based on compliance and security standards. Communicate the new policy to all users and provide training on the importance of using certified apps.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Security Officers, Compliance Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Streamlined App Management
The ability to manage Microsoft 365 certified apps from a centralized location in the Teams admin center will streamline administrative tasks, reducing the time spent on app management and improving overall IT efficiency.
   - next-steps: Review existing app management processes and update them to integrate the new centralized management feature. Train IT staff on how to effectively use the new functionalities to maximize efficiency.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Operations Managers, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

User Experience Improvement
By enabling admins to customize app availability based on user roles and needs, this feature can enhance user experience by ensuring that employees have access to the tools they need while maintaining security protocols.
   - next-steps: Gather feedback from users regarding their app needs and preferences. Use this information to define role-based access criteria for third-party apps, ensuring a balance between usability and security.
   - roles: Department Heads, HR Managers, User Experience Designers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-apps#manage-org-wide-app-settings, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=485712

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

DPIA Draft**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only