MC1199768 – Outlook: New and improved People Hub on Web

Product:

Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

537282

Details:

Summary:
The new Outlook Web People Hub offers a modern multi-column layout, faster search, automatic duplicate linking, and enriched contacts with organizational data. Rolling out from January to March 2026, all users will be auto-migrated to this improved experience with no admin action needed.

Details:
[Introduction]
We're introducing the new and improved People Hub in Outlook Web, designed to deliver a modern, multi-column contacts experience with fast search and a streamlined interface. We're investing in fast, relevant search and modern contact management capabilities that deliver a high-quality experience for everyone.
This update provides a unified view of each person, automatically links duplicate entries, and enriches contacts with organizational profile information where available. These enhancements aim to improve reliability and scalability for organizations of all sizes, while phasing out older solutions that no longer meet performance expectations.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 537282.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-January 2026 and expect to complete by late January 2026.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late February 2026 and expect to complete by mid-March 2026.

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

Created:
2025-12-19

updated:
2025-12-19

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Changes
Users may struggle to adapt to the new multi-column layout and interface, leading to confusion and decreased productivity during the transition period.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-find-edit-or-delete-a-contact-in-outlook-e1dc4548-3bd6-4644-aecd-47b5728f7b0d#picktab=new_outlook_%28insiders%29

Search Functionality
The new search capabilities may not meet user expectations initially, causing frustration and inefficiencies in finding contacts.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=537282

Duplicate Contact Management
Automatic linking of duplicate contacts may lead to loss of important information if users are not aware of the changes, resulting in potential miscommunication.
   - roles: End Users, Data Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-find-edit-or-delete-a-contact-in-outlook-e1dc4548-3bd6-4644-aecd-47b5728f7b0d#picktab=new_outlook_%28insiders%29

Training and Support Needs
Without prior training, users may require additional support to navigate the new features, increasing the workload for IT support teams.
   - roles: IT Support, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=537282

Loss of Customization
The removal of the toggle to switch off the new contacts experience may frustrate users who prefer the old interface, leading to dissatisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, IT Administrators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-find-edit-or-delete-a-contact-in-outlook-e1dc4548-3bd6-4644-aecd-47b5728f7b0d#picktab=new_outlook_%28insiders%29

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training Programs
With the introduction of the new People Hub, there is an opportunity to create targeted training programs that help users adapt to the new interface and features effectively. This can enhance user experience and ensure that employees utilize the new capabilities to their full potential.
   - next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule workshops or webinars to guide users through the new features. Gather feedback to refine training approaches.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Training Coordinators, HR Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-find-edit-or-delete-a-contact-in-outlook-e1dc4548-3bd6-4644-aecd-47b5728f7b0d#picktab=new_outlook_%28insiders%29

Improved Data Management
The automatic linking of duplicate contacts and enrichment with organizational data presents an opportunity to streamline contact management processes, reducing redundancy and improving data accuracy across the organization.
   - next-steps: Audit current contact databases to identify and clean up duplicate entries. Utilize the new features to enhance the quality of contact information.
   - roles: Data Analysts, IT Administrators, CRM Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=537282

Integration with Other Tools
The new People Hub can be integrated with other Microsoft 365 tools, such as Teams and SharePoint, to provide a seamless experience in accessing contact information across platforms, enhancing collaboration and communication.
   - next-steps: Explore APIs and integration capabilities with existing tools. Develop a plan for implementation and testing of the integration.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Product Managers, Collaboration Tool Specialists
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-find-edit-or-delete-a-contact-in-outlook-e1dc4548-3bd6-4644-aecd-47b5728f7b0d#picktab=new_outlook_%28insiders%29

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

The new People Hub in Outlook Web is like upgrading from a simple address book to a smart, digital Rolodex. Imagine your old address book, where you had to flip through pages to find a contact, and sometimes you had the same person listed twice under slightly different names. Now, think of a digital Rolodex that not only organizes your contacts in a neat, multi-column layout but also automatically merges duplicate entries, so you don't have to worry about cleaning up your list manually.

With this update, searching for a contact becomes as easy as typing a few letters, and the system quickly pulls up the most relevant results. It's like having a personal assistant who knows exactly where to find the information you need without delay. Additionally, this new system enriches your contacts with organizational data, meaning it can provide more context about who you're communicating with, similar to having a mini-profile for each contact.

For users, this means a more efficient and streamlined experience without needing to adjust any settings or perform any actions. The transition to this new system will happen automatically, much like a software update on your smartphone that happens overnight, ensuring you wake up to a more efficient tool without lifting a finger.

For managers and HR staff, this change means you can expect a more reliable and scalable contact management system that aligns with modern business needs. It's like moving from a paper filing system to a digital database that is not only faster but also smarter in organizing and retrieving information.

In summary, the new People Hub in Outlook Web is designed to make managing contacts easier and more intuitive, allowing users to focus on what matters most—building and maintaining professional relationships.