MC1269210 – Classic Outlook: Retirement of people card expanded view

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, OneDrive, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Retirement

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The people card expanded view in Classic Outlook will be retired between June 1-30, 2026, leaving only the standard contact card available. Users relying on expanded features should switch to Outlook on the web or New Outlook. No admin action is required; users should be notified.

Details:
[Introduction]
The people card experience in Classic Outlook is simplifying. As part of this update, the people card expanded view in Classic Outlook will be retired. This change streamlines the experience and ensures consistency with other Office applications where only the standard contact card is available.
[When this will happen:]
We will retire the people card expanded view from Classic Outlook starting June 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2026-04-03

updated:
2026-04-17

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Expanded Features
Users will lose access to features such as local time, 'Works with' in the organization chart, and the ability to change profile pictures directly from the contact card.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/manage-your-contacts-in-outlook-for-windows-f03681a5-fe07-4f2c-bee6-d93d8fab0c00, https://support.microsoft.com/office/profile-cards-in-microsoft-365-e80f931f-5fc4-4a59-ba6e-c1e35a85b501

User Experience Disruption
Users accustomed to the expanded view may experience frustration and confusion when the features they rely on are no longer available, impacting their workflow.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/customize-the-profile-card-in-win32-apps-using-registry-keys-449afd21-6e5e-4b1f-8051-6515630d7537

Increased Support Queries
Helpdesk teams may face an increase in support requests from users who are unaware of the changes and need assistance adapting to the new standard contact card.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Administrators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/manage-your-contacts-in-outlook-for-windows-f03681a5-fe07-4f2c-bee6-d93d8fab0c00 " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/manage-your-contacts-in-outlook-for-windows-f03681a5-fe07-4f2c-bee6-d93d8fab0c00

Need for User Training
Organizations may need to invest time and resources in training users on how to use the new standard contact card and alternative options like Outlook on the web.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/profile-cards-in-microsoft-365-e80f931f-5fc4-4a59-ba6e-c1e35a85b501

Documentation Updates Required
Internal documentation and helpdesk guidance will need to be updated to reflect the changes, which may require additional administrative effort.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Documentation Specialists
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/customize-the-profile-card-in-win32-apps-using-registry-keys-449afd21-6e5e-4b1f-8051-6515630d7537

Configutation Options**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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