MC1182713 – (Updated) Microsoft SharePoint: Update to News web part “See all” experience

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

499654

Details:

Summary:
The SharePoint News web part "See All" experience rollout is paused due to an issue, now resuming in February 2026. It features a refreshed mosaic layout and AI capabilities requiring a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. No admin action is needed; core functionality remains unchanged.

Details:
Updated December 11, 2025: We are pausing rollout of this feature at this time due to an unexpected issue. We expect to resume rolling out in February 2026. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
We're rolling out a refreshed "See All" experience for the SharePoint News web part (News.aspx page), bringing a modernized layout, improved visual rhythm, and new AI-powered capabilities to help users engage with news more effectively. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access the AI capabilities.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 499654.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout will begin in early November 2025 and completed in late November 2025.
General Availability:
Worldwide: Rollout will begin in February 2026 (previously mid-November 2025) and is expected to complete in February 2026 (previously mid-December 2025).
GCC, GCCH and DoD: Rollout will begin in February 2026 (previously late November 2025) and is expected to complete in February 2026 (previously late December 2025).

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

Created:
2025-11-04

updated:
2025-12-12

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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MS workload name

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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
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the sudden introduction of a new layout and AI capabilities without prior training or communication.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=499654

Access Issues to AI Features
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will be unable to access new AI-powered features, leading to a disparity in user experience and potential frustration.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=499654

Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek help with the new features and layout, impacting IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=499654

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Engagement through AI Capabilities
With the introduction of AI-powered features in the SharePoint News web part, users can expect improved content personalization and relevance, leading to higher engagement levels. The new dynamic mosaic layout will enhance visual appeal and information hierarchy, making it easier for users to find and interact with news items.
   - next-steps: Communicate the benefits of the new features to all users and provide training sessions to maximize the utilization of AI capabilities. Gather user feedback to continuously improve the experience.
   - roles: Marketing Team, Content Creators, HR Team
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=499654

Improved IT Support and Helpdesk Efficiency
As the new 'See All' experience will automatically apply to users without requiring admin action, IT support teams can focus on other critical tasks. Additionally, clear communication regarding the changes will help reduce support tickets related to user confusion about the new layout and features.
   - next-steps: Develop a comprehensive FAQ and knowledge base article to address common queries related to the new features. Train helpdesk staff on the updates to better assist users.
   - roles: IT Support Team, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165 " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/use-the-news-web-part-on-a-sharepoint-page-c2dcee50-f5d7-434b-8cb9-a7feefd9f165

Cost-Effective Utilization of Microsoft 365 Copilot
Encouraging users to leverage the new AI capabilities with their Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses can enhance productivity without incurring additional costs for new tools or software. This can lead to a more efficient use of existing licenses and resources.
   - next-steps: Analyze current license usage and identify users who would benefit from the Copilot features. Offer workshops to demonstrate how to effectively use the AI capabilities in their daily tasks.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Department Heads
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=499654

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

The upcoming update to the SharePoint News web part, specifically the "See All" experience, is akin to renovating a library's reading room. Imagine a library that decides to rearrange its reading room to make it more inviting and easier to navigate. The shelves are organized in a more visually appealing way, making it simpler for visitors to find and enjoy the books. Similarly, the updated "See All" feature in SharePoint will present news in a refreshed mosaic layout, enhancing the way users engage with the content.

This update will introduce AI capabilities, much like having a helpful librarian who can suggest books based on your interests. However, to access these AI-driven features, users will need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. For those without the license, the library remains fully functional, and they can still enjoy the improved layout without the AI assistance.

The rollout of this update was paused due to an unforeseen issue but is expected to resume in February 2026. No action is required from administrators, as the changes will apply automatically. The core functionality of the News web part remains unchanged, ensuring a seamless transition for users.

Overall, this update aims to make the SharePoint News experience more engaging and efficient, much like a well-organized and modernized library reading room enhances the visitor experience.