check before: 2026-01-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Insights
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting January 6, 2026, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics user exclusions will transition to VFAM-based policy management, replacing the current list method. Existing exclusions migrate automatically, with no admin action needed. Admins will manage exclusions via VFAM policies at user, group, or tenant levels.
Details:
Updated January 6, 2026: The rollout for VFAM based exclusion list for Viva insights and Copilot analytics is starting from Jan 6, 2026 and expected to complete by Jan 15, 2026. Exact roll out dates may vary by region. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
We're updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early January 2026, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features.
[When this will happen:]
The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously early December 2025). Exact rollout dates may vary by region.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-11-21
updated:
2026-01-07
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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summary for non-techies**
Starting January 2026, Microsoft Viva will implement Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM), allowing administrators to set automated policies for user exclusions based on criteria like user, group, or tenant levels, replacing the manual process and ensuring a more efficient and error-free management system.
Direct effects for Operations**
Transition to VFAM-based exclusion management
Admins may face confusion and potential misconfiguration if they are not adequately informed about the new VFAM policies, leading to incorrect user exclusions.
- roles: Viva Admins, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management
Migration of existing exclusions
Automatic migration of existing exclusions may lead to temporary discrepancies in user access if admins do not verify the migration post-transition.
- roles: Viva Admins, Data Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management
New policy management interface
The introduction of a new interface for managing exclusions may result in a learning curve for admins, potentially causing delays in managing user exclusions effectively.
- roles: Viva Admins, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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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**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-01-07 | MC Messages | Updated December 5, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] We're updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early December 2025, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features. [When this will happen:] The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously early December 2025). Exact rollout dates may vary by region. | Updated January 6, 2026: The rollout for VFAM based exclusion list for Viva insights and Copilot analytics is starting from Jan 6, 2026 and expected to complete by Jan 15, 2026. Exact roll out dates may vary by region. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] We're updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early January 2026, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features. [When this will happen:] The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously early December 2025). Exact rollout dates may vary by region. |
| 2026-01-07 | MC Last Updated | 12/05/2025 18:39:54 | 2026-01-06T18:25:33Z |
| 2026-01-07 | MC Summary | Starting January 2026, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics exclusions will be managed via Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of list-based methods. Existing exclusions will migrate automatically, with no admin action needed. Admins should prepare by informing teams and reviewing settings once VFAM is live. | Starting January 6, 2026, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics user exclusions will transition to VFAM-based policy management, replacing the current list method. Existing exclusions migrate automatically, with no admin action needed. Admins will manage exclusions via VFAM policies at user, group, or tenant levels. |
| 2025-12-06 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-12-06 | MC Summary | Starting December 2025, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics user exclusions will shift from list-based management to Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies. Existing exclusions migrate automatically; admins will use VFAM for future exclusions. No immediate action is needed, but admins should prepare for this update. | Starting January 2026, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics exclusions will be managed via Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of list-based methods. Existing exclusions will migrate automatically, with no admin action needed. Admins should prepare by informing teams and reviewing settings once VFAM is live. |
| 2025-12-06 | MC Last Updated | 11/21/2025 01:16:11 | 2025-12-05T18:39:54Z |
| 2025-12-06 | MC Messages | [Introduction:]
We're updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early December 2025, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features. [When this will happen:] The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early December 2025. Exact rollout dates may vary by region. | Updated December 5, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] We're updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early December 2025, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features. [When this will happen:] The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously early December 2025). Exact rollout dates may vary by region. |
| 2025-12-06 | MC Title | Microsoft Viva: Transition to VFAM-based exclusion management | (Updated) Microsoft Viva: Transition to VFAM-based exclusion management |
| 2025-12-06 | MC End Time | 03/01/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-02-16T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 4 days ago ago
