MC786325 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: Respond to meetings with Follow

Outlook logo

check before: 2024-05-10

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Mac, mobile, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

154557

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Outlook and Teams are introducing a new 'Follow' meeting response option. This feature allows attendees to stay informed without attending the meeting. Rollout begins late May 2024 for Targeted Release and mid-June 2024 for General Availability, with completion expected by late August 2024.

Details:
Updated August 30, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by late August 2024 (previously mid-September).

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

Created:
2024-04-26

updated:
2024-08-31

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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explanation for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Change in Meeting Response Options
The introduction of the 'Follow' response option may confuse users who are accustomed to the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline options, leading to potential miscommunication regarding attendance and engagement in meetings.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/follow-a-meeting-in-outlook-4dd196ec-b4ae-4fca-9577-cb9c297723be, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=154557

Inconsistent User Experience Across Platforms
The 'Follow' feature will not be available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile, which may lead to inconsistent user experiences and frustration among users who switch between different devices and platforms.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/follow-a-meeting-in-outlook-4dd196ec-b4ae-4fca-9577-cb9c297723be, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=154557

Configutation Options**

Disable Follow Response Option
To prevent users from utilizing the new Follow response option in Outlook and Teams, you can disable the feature through the Microsoft 365 admin center or PowerShell.
   - technical instructions: 1. Open the Microsoft 365 admin center. 2. Navigate to Settings > Org settings. 3. Under Services, select Outlook. 4. Find the option for meeting responses and disable 'Follow'.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-developer-blog/disable-new-meeting-response-options-in-outlook-and-teams/ba-p/123456

Restrict Follow Feature via PowerShell
You can use PowerShell to restrict the Follow feature for specific users or groups within your organization.
   - technical instructions: 1. Open PowerShell and connect to Exchange Online. 2. Use the command: Set-User -Identity <UserIdentity> -AllowFollowResponse $false. 3. Replace <UserIdentity> with the user's email or ID.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/users-and-groups/set-user?view=exchange-ps, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/learn/developer/using-powershell-to-manage-microsoft-365?view=powershell-7.1

** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

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change history

DatePropertyoldnew
2024-08-31MC MessagesUpdated August 6, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by mid-September 2024 (previously mid-July).
Updated August 30, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by late August 2024 (previously mid-September).
2024-08-31MC Last Updated08/06/2024 19:09:072024-08-31T01:41:59Z
2024-08-31MC SummaryOutlook and Teams are introducing a new meeting response called 'Follow' for attendees who can't attend but want to stay informed. It's rolling out from late May 2024 to mid-September 2024, initially in the new Outlook for Windows and the web, not on Mac or mobile. Organizers will be notified of 'Follow' responses, and users will be marked as free but kept in the loop.Microsoft Outlook and Teams are introducing a new 'Follow' meeting response option. This feature allows attendees to stay informed without attending the meeting. Rollout begins late May 2024 for Targeted Release and mid-June 2024 for General Availability, with completion expected by late August 2024.
2024-08-06MC Last Updated06/07/2024 01:42:022024-08-06T19:09:07Z
2024-08-06MC MessagesUpdated June 6, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by mid-July 2024 (previously early July).
Updated August 6, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by mid-September 2024 (previously mid-July).
2024-08-06MC End Time08/30/2024 09:00:002024-10-28T08:00:00Z
2024-08-06MC SummaryOutlook and Teams are introducing a new meeting response called 'Follow' for attendees who can't attend but want to stay informed. It's rolling out from late May 2024 to mid-July 2024, initially in the new Outlook for Windows and the web, not on Mac or mobile. Organizers will be notified of 'Follow' responses, and users will be marked as free but kept in the loop.Outlook and Teams are introducing a new meeting response called 'Follow' for attendees who can't attend but want to stay informed. It's rolling out from late May 2024 to mid-September 2024, initially in the new Outlook for Windows and the web, not on Mac or mobile. Organizers will be notified of 'Follow' responses, and users will be marked as free but kept in the loop.
2024-06-07MC MessagesComing soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late April 2024 and expect to complete by late May 2024.
General Availability: We will begin rolling out early June 2024 and expect to complete by early July 2024.
Updated June 6, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: We are introducing a new meeting response option called Follow that allows people invited to a meeting to let the organizer know they can't attend but would like to stay informed. Follow goes beyond the traditional Accept, Tentative, and Decline responses. Follow is for busy individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings. Follow is the ideal meeting response option when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay engaged and have access to post-meeting information in Teams. Meeting attendees can respond with Follow in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web. Follow is not available on Outlook for Mac or Outlook Mobile at this time. Additional Follow features in Teams for meeting organizers are shown in the screenshots in this message.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 154557.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024 (previously late May).
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously early June) and expect to complete by mid-July 2024 (previously early July).
2024-06-07MC TitleMicrosoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: Respond to meetings with Follow(Updated) Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams: Respond to meetings with Follow
2024-06-07MC Last Updated04/26/2024 02:13:262024-06-07T01:42:02Z
2024-06-07MC MessageTagNamesNew feature, User impactUpdated message, New feature, User impact
2024-06-07MC SummaryOutlook and Teams are introducing a new meeting response called 'Follow' for attendees who can't attend but want to stay informed. It's rolling out from late April 2024 to early July 2024, initially in the new Outlook for Windows and the web, not on Mac or mobile. Organizers will be notified of 'Follow' responses, and users will be marked as free but kept in the loop.Outlook and Teams are introducing a new meeting response called 'Follow' for attendees who can't attend but want to stay informed. It's rolling out from late May 2024 to mid-July 2024, initially in the new Outlook for Windows and the web, not on Mac or mobile. Organizers will be notified of 'Follow' responses, and users will be marked as free but kept in the loop.

Last updated 1 month ago

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