MC1108847 – (Updated) Microsoft Places: Built in Admin roles support

Product:

Entra, Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message

Links:

488103

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Places will support Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) via Exchange Online and Microsoft Entra starting September 2025, enabling centralized and delegated management through built-in admin roles for Places, building, and desk administrators. This decentralizes management, reduces IT overhead, and aligns access with real-world roles.

Details:
Updated October 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Microsoft Places to help IT administrators securely delegate management responsibilities to centralized Places administrators or local stakeholders such as building or desk managers. This update enhances operational efficiency and aligns access with real-world roles.
This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID: 488103
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout is expected to begin in September 2025 (previously August) and is expected to complete in mid-October 2025 (previously September).

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-04

updated:
2025-10-16

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

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Decentralized Management Risks
Without proper preparation, the decentralization of management may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive resources, as local administrators may not be adequately trained or vetted.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Building Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=488103

User Experience Disruption
If the role assignments are not properly managed, users may experience disruptions in accessing spaces and resources, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: Desk Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=488103

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing a new feature to Microsoft Places that will make it easier for organizations to manage their spaces, like buildings and desks, by using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Think of RBAC as a way to give specific keys to different people based on their job. Just like in a hotel, where the manager has a master key to all rooms, and the housekeeping staff has keys only to the rooms they need to clean, RBAC allows different levels of access to different people.

With this update, there will be specific roles like Places Administrator, Building Administrator, and Desk Administrator. The Places Administrator is like the hotel manager who oversees everything, ensuring that the system is set up correctly and assigning roles to others. Building Administrators are like floor managers who look after specific buildings, managing spaces like floors and rooms. Desk Administrators are similar to staff who manage specific areas, making sure desks are set up and assigned correctly.

This change means that instead of one IT person handling everything, responsibilities can be shared with those who are directly involved with the spaces. It reduces the workload for IT and ensures that the right people have the right access. For example, a Building Administrator can directly manage their building without needing to go through IT for every small change.

The update will start rolling out in September 2025 and should be fully available by mid-October 2025. Organizations using Microsoft Places should prepare by planning who will take on these new roles to ensure smooth operations. While this change allows more people to manage data like room and desk details, it doesn't change how data is stored. It's simply about giving the right access to the right people, much like handing out the right keys to those who need them.