MC1104315 – (Updated) New Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Drag and drop files between accounts as attachments (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

493289

Details:

Summary:
The new Microsoft Outlook for Windows will allow users to drag and drop emails and files as attachments between personal or enterprise accounts, starting mid-August 2025 for Targeted Release and mid-October 2025 for General Availability. This requires the ItemsToOtherAccountsEnabled setting in OwaMailboxPolicy.

Details:
Updated July 23, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing a new drag-and-drop capability in the new Microsoft Outlook for Windows. This feature will users to drag emails and files from one personal or enterprise account and drop them into another personal or enterprise account as attachments-streamlining cross-account workflows and improving productivity.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 493289.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out mid-August 2025 and expect to complete by mid-September 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out mid-October 2025 and expect to complete by mid-November 2025.

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

Created:
2025-06-27

updated:
2025-07-24

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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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If the drag-and-drop feature is rolled out without proper user training, users may experience confusion or frustration when attempting to use the new functionality, leading to decreased productivity and potential errors in email handling.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=493289, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-itemstootheraccountsenabled

Security Risks
Without preparation, users may inadvertently share sensitive information by dragging and dropping files between accounts, especially if they are not aware of the confirmation prompt that appears for certain actions, leading to potential data breaches.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=493289, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-itemstootheraccountsenabled

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for Outlook on Windows that will allow users to drag and drop emails and files between different accounts, whether personal or enterprise. Think of it like moving a document from one folder to another on your computer. Previously, you couldn't easily transfer an email or file from one account to another within Outlook. Now, with this new feature, it's as simple as clicking, dragging, and dropping.

Imagine you have two separate desks in your office, each representing a different email account. Previously, if you wanted to move a file from one desk to the other, you had to go through a series of steps, like printing it out and then scanning it back into the other desk's system. With this update, it's like having a magic portal between the two desks, allowing you to move documents instantly and effortlessly.

For this feature to work, a specific setting called ItemsToOtherAccountsEnabled needs to be turned on in your organization's email policy settings. If this setting is enabled, you can drag an email or file from one account and drop it into another as an attachment. To ensure security, a confirmation prompt will appear before the action is completed, much like a pop-up asking if you're sure you want to move a file on your computer.

This change will happen automatically, and there's no need to adjust your current settings unless you want to enable or disable this feature. It's a good idea to let your IT admins and users know about this update, so everyone is prepared for the new capability. This feature is designed to streamline workflows and make it easier to manage information across different accounts, enhancing productivity without altering your existing security settings.