MC1199768 – (Updated) Outlook: New and improved People Hub on Web

Product:

Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

537282

Details:

Summary:
The new People Hub in Outlook Web offers a modern multi-column layout, faster search, automatic duplicate linking, and enriched contact details. Rolling out globally from mid-May to mid-June 2026, all users will be migrated automatically with no admin action needed. Training resources will be provided.

Details:
Updated April 27, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[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 began rolling out on mid-January 2026 and completed in mid-February 2026.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-May 2026 (previously late April) and expect to complete by mid-June 2026 (previously mid-May).

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

Created:
2025-12-19

updated:
2026-04-28

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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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 changes, 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
Lack of adequate training resources prior to rollout may leave users unprepared, increasing the volume of support requests and user dissatisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=537282

Feature Toggle Removal
The removal of the toggle to switch off the 'New Contacts' experience may frustrate users who prefer the old interface, leading to resistance to change.
   - roles: End Users, Change 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

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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