check before: 2025-12-06
Product:
Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Edge Workspaces will migrate saved data from OneDrive/SharePoint to Edge Sync starting mid-February 2026, removing collaboration features. Migration is automatic for all organizations using Workspaces, with no admin action needed. Sync-disabled devices will have local-only new Workspaces. Opt-out requires contacting Microsoft CSS.
Details:
[Introduction]
We're improving the reliability and performance of Microsoft Edge Workspaces by migrating to a new architecture. Workspaces, introduced in 2022, lets users create durable sets of tabs that can be saved and shared. As part of this update, we will migrate saved Workspace data from OneDrive/SharePoint to the Edge Sync service and remove the collaboration/share functionality.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Production, GCC, GCCH, DoD): Rollout begins mid-February 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-06
updated:
2025-12-06
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Collaboration Features
The migration will remove the ability to collaborate and share Workspaces, impacting team productivity and communication.
- roles: Team Members, Project Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
User Confusion and Frustration
Users may be confused by the sudden change in functionality, leading to frustration and decreased user satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Data Migration Issues
Potential issues during the automatic migration of saved Workspace data could lead to data loss or corruption, affecting user access to important information.
- roles: Data Analysts, End Users
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new architecture and its features.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Impact on Workflow
The removal of collaboration features may disrupt established workflows, requiring users to adapt to new methods of working.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Members
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience with Edge Sync
The migration to Edge Sync will enhance the user experience by providing faster access to saved Workspaces across devices, improving productivity for users who work on multiple devices. This change will reduce the friction currently experienced with data being stored in OneDrive/SharePoint.
- next-steps: Communicate the benefits of Edge Sync to users and provide training sessions to help them adapt to the new workflow. Monitor user feedback to identify any additional support needed during the transition.
- roles: IT Administrators, End Users, Product Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Streamlined IT Management
With the migration eliminating the collaboration features, IT can streamline management and support processes as there will be fewer issues related to data sharing and permissions. This will lead to reduced administrative overhead and faster issue resolution.
- next-steps: Review current IT support processes and documentation to align with the new architecture. Train IT staff on the changes to better assist users and resolve issues efficiently.
- roles: IT Administrators, Support Teams
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Opportunity for Cost Savings in Licensing
As collaboration features are removed, organizations may evaluate their licensing needs for Microsoft 365 products related to collaboration tools like OneDrive and SharePoint. This could lead to potential cost savings by downgrading or consolidating licenses.
- next-steps: Conduct a licensing audit to assess current usage and identify opportunities for downgrading licenses. Engage with Microsoft or a licensing consultant to explore cost-saving options.
- roles: Finance Teams, IT Administrators
- references: https://aka.ms/edgeworkspaces/learn-more-new-workspaces
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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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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Last updated 2 months ago ago
