MC800501 – (Updated) New Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Automatically configure accounts with new policy (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Intune, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message

Links:

MC1015904
396729

Details:

Summary:
A new Microsoft Outlook for Windows policy will automatically configure accounts using the Active Directory Primary SMTP address. This feature, detailed on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 396729, will start rolling out in mid-September 2024 and is expected to complete by early October 2024. Admins can manage this policy through the Microsoft Intune admin center. The default policy state is off, and no admin action is required before the rollout.

Details:
Updated August 21, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon for new Microsoft Outlook for Windows: A new policy to automatically configure accounts based on Active Directory Primary SMTP address.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 396729.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-September 2024 (previously mid-August) and expect to complete by early October 2024 (previously early September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-06-11

updated:
2024-08-23

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 Login Experience
Users will have their email field automatically filled with the primary SMTP address, which they cannot change. This may lead to confusion if users have multiple accounts or if the primary SMTP address is not the one they intend to use.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=396729

Account Configuration Issues
If the policy is not properly configured for specific groups, users may face difficulties in account setup, leading to delays in accessing their email and other services.
   - roles: IT Admins, End Users
   - references: https://intune.microsoft.com/, https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management

Documentation and Training Gaps
The automatic rollout of this policy without prior preparation may result in outdated documentation and insufficient training for users and admins, causing further operational inefficiencies.
   - roles: IT Admins, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=396729

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Streamlined Account Setup Process
The new policy to automatically configure accounts based on Active Directory Primary SMTP addresses will significantly reduce the time and effort required for users to set up their accounts in Outlook. This will enhance user experience by minimizing the friction during the onboarding process.
   - next-steps: Communicate the upcoming changes to all users and prepare training materials to help them understand the new login process. Monitor user feedback after rollout to identify any additional support needed.
   - roles: IT Administrators, HR Managers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=396729

Enhanced Compliance with Company Policies
By automatically suggesting the primary SMTP address for account login, this feature ensures that users comply with company policies regarding account configurations, reducing the risk of misconfigurations and unauthorized access.
   - next-steps: Review and update internal policies to align with the new automated configuration. Ensure that all relevant compliance documentation is updated and communicated to the staff.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Teams, IT Administrators
   - references: https://intune.microsoft.com/, https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management

Reduced IT Support Burden
With the automated configuration of accounts, the number of support requests related to account setup and login issues is likely to decrease. This allows IT teams to focus on more critical tasks and projects, improving overall efficiency.
   - next-steps: Analyze historical support ticket data to quantify the expected reduction in requests. Prepare to allocate IT resources to other areas that require attention post-rollout.
   - roles: IT Support Teams, IT Administrators, Operations Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/outlook/manage/policy-management, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=396729

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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