MC1176364 – (Updated) Configure and manage connected experiences with Edge Connected Feature Control (CFC) – Targeted Release (archived)

Product:

Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Edge for Business introduces Connected Feature Control (CFC) in Public Preview, allowing admins to centrally manage cloud-powered features like Translate and Compose based on compliance needs. Rollout starts late August 2025, with options to enable features at different compliance levels and control via Edge management and Entra ID groups.

Details:
Updated October 28, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To support organizations with varying compliance and data handling needs, Microsoft Edge for Business is introducing Connected Feature Control (CFC) in Public Preview. CFC is a centralized policy that allows admins to manage cloud-powered and AI-driven features-such as Translate, Compose, and Auto Tab Grouping-based on organizational requirements.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout began in late August 2025 and is expected to complete by late September/October 2025.
General Availability: Rollout begins in mid-November and is expected to complete by late November.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-21

updated:
2025-10-28

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Feature Misconfiguration
If the Connected Feature Control (CFC) is implemented without proper preparation, features like Translate and Compose may be misconfigured, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
   - roles: IT Admin, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-management-connected-feature-control, https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/manage-connected-experiences-in-microsoft-edge-6cd3d4b3-ec94-4ac6-92e6-89d0127a5e33

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience disruptions in their workflow if features are enabled or disabled unexpectedly, leading to confusion and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End User, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365?view=o365-worldwide#targeted-release" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365?view=o365-worldwide#targeted-release, https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/manage-connected-experiences-in-microsoft-edge-6cd3d4b3-ec94-4ac6-92e6-89d0127a5e33

Compliance Risks
Without proper planning, enabling features that do not meet compliance standards could lead to data breaches and legal repercussions for the organization.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-management-connected-feature-control, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365?view=o365-worldwide#targeted-release" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365?view=o365-worldwide#targeted-release

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Compliance Management
With the introduction of Connected Feature Control (CFC), admins can tailor the availability of cloud-powered features based on compliance needs, ensuring that sensitive data is handled appropriately. This feature allows for granular control over which functionalities are enabled based on organizational compliance requirements, thus reducing the risk of data breaches.
   - next-steps: Conduct a compliance assessment to determine which features should be enabled or disabled based on your organization's specific needs. Train admins on how to effectively use CFC for compliance management.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Administrators, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-management-connected-feature-control, https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/manage-connected-experiences-in-microsoft-edge-6cd3d4b3-ec94-4ac6-92e6-89d0127a5e33

Improved User Experience
By enabling specific features like Translate and Compose based on compliance levels, users can benefit from enhanced productivity tools that are tailored to their needs without compromising on data security. This customization can lead to a more efficient workflow and better user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Gather feedback from users on which features they find most beneficial. Develop a communication plan to inform users about the available features and how they can enhance their work.
   - roles: End Users, Productivity Managers, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365?view=o365-worldwide#targeted-release, https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/manage-connected-experiences-in-microsoft-edge-6cd3d4b3-ec94-4ac6-92e6-89d0127a5e33

Centralized Feature Management
CFC allows for centralized management of Edge features through the Edge management service, which can streamline administrative tasks and reduce the complexity of managing multiple compliance settings across different teams. This can lead to more efficient IT operations and lower administrative overhead.
   - next-steps: Review current Edge policies and determine how CFC can be integrated into existing IT management processes. Provide training for IT staff on the new management capabilities offered by CFC.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Administrators, Network Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployedge/microsoft-edge-management-connected-feature-control, https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/manage-connected-experiences-in-microsoft-edge-6cd3d4b3-ec94-4ac6-92e6-89d0127a5e33

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Edge for Business is introducing a new feature called Connected Feature Control (CFC) that allows administrators to manage certain cloud-powered features based on their organization's compliance needs. Think of it like having a remote control for your TV that lets you decide which channels are available to watch. In this case, the "channels" are features like Translate, Compose, and Auto Tab Grouping.

CFC is designed to help organizations that have specific requirements for handling data and compliance. It provides a centralized way for admins to turn on or off these features, much like a master switchboard. By default, all features are available, but admins can choose to restrict access based on compliance levels. There are three modes: Off Mode, Level 1, and Level 2. Off Mode keeps everything available, while Level 1 and Level 2 offer more control over sensitive content and data handling.

The rollout for this feature started in late August 2025 for a targeted group and will be generally available by mid-November 2025. Admins can manage these settings through the Edge management service and use Entra ID groups to apply policies to specific groups of users.

This new feature is particularly useful for organizations that need to ensure their data handling practices meet certain standards. It allows for greater control over how features interact with sensitive content, much like setting parental controls on a streaming service to ensure content is appropriate for the audience.

To prepare for these changes, organizations should review their current Edge policies and decide which features align with their compliance needs. Admins should also inform users about these updates and update any internal documentation to reflect the new capabilities.