MC822719 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Simplified mobile app sign in (archived)

Product:

Entra, Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook

Platform:

mobile, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Cancelled

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

406169

Details:

Summary:
The planned update for Microsoft Outlook mobile app sign-in using QR codes, initially set for a Public Preview in mid-August 2024 and General Availability in mid-September 2024, has been postponed and will not proceed at this time. Microsoft apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

Details:
Updated September 26, 2024: After further review we have decided not to proceed with this change at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Outlook mobile apps: Users will be able to sign in with a QR code (instead of entering a username and password).
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 406169.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out mid-August 2024 and expect to complete by mid-September 2024 - We will not be proceeding with this change at this time.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-September 2024 and expect to complete by mid November2024 - We will not be proceeding with this change at this time.

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

Created:
2024-07-20

updated:
2024-09-27

Public Preview Start Date

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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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Authentication Process
Users will continue to rely on traditional username and password for sign-in, which may lead to frustration and increased support requests due to forgotten credentials.
   - roles: End Users, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/use-qr-code-download-outlook?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406169

User Experience
The absence of QR code sign-in may result in a less streamlined user experience, potentially leading to decreased user satisfaction and productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/use-qr-code-download-outlook?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406169

Security Concerns
Continued reliance on passwords may increase the risk of security breaches due to weak or reused passwords among users.
   - roles: Security Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/use-qr-code-download-outlook?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406169

Support Load
Help desk teams may experience an increase in support tickets related to password recovery and account access issues due to the lack of a simplified sign-in method.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/use-qr-code-download-outlook?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406169

Documentation Updates
Existing documentation may require updates to reflect the cancellation of the QR code sign-in feature, leading to potential confusion among users.
   - roles: Technical Writers, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/use-qr-code-download-outlook?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406169

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft recently announced a change to the way users can sign in to the Outlook mobile app, but this update has now been postponed. Initially, the plan was to allow users to sign in using a QR code instead of typing in their username and password. This feature was supposed to be available for testing in mid-August 2024 and fully rolled out by mid-September 2024. However, after further review, Microsoft has decided not to proceed with this change at this time.

To explain this simply, imagine you are trying to enter a secure building. Normally, you would have to show your ID and perhaps enter a password on a keypad. The new method Microsoft was planning is like having a special card with a QR code that you can scan at the door to get in quickly, without needing to show your ID or type in a password. This would make the process faster and more convenient.

In the digital world, the QR code would link directly to your Microsoft account, securely logging you into the Outlook mobile app. Once logged in, you would stay signed in unless you chose to log out manually. This would save time and reduce the hassle of remembering and typing in passwords.

For administrators, this feature would be enabled by default, but they could turn it off if needed. Even if turned off, users who had already signed in using the QR code would remain logged in until they manually signed out.

Although this feature has been postponed, it’s a good example of how technology aims to simplify our daily tasks, much like how using a key card can be easier than remembering a combination lock code. Microsoft has apologized for any inconvenience caused by this change in plans.

For those who want to learn more about this feature and its intended benefits, you can visit the Microsoft 365 admin center or check out the Microsoft Learn website.