MC882252 – (Updated) New Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Sharing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint local files through email (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, OneDrive, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Cancelled

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

397094

Details:

Summary:
The planned feature to share local Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files via new Outlook for Windows, initially set for mid-September to late October 2025, will not proceed at this time. No admin action is needed, but user notification and documentation updates are advised.

Details:
Updated December 17, 2025: After further review we have decided not to proceed with this change at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Coming soon to new Microsoft Outlook: Users will be able to share Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files stored on their device (not stored in a cloud like Microsoft OneDrive) from new Outlook for Windows.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397094.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out mid-September 2025 (previously early July 2025) and expect to complete by late October 2025 (previously late August).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-09-04

updated:
2025-12-18

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 Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion and frustration due to the cancellation of the feature that was anticipated for sharing local files directly from Outlook, leading to potential delays in their workflow.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=397094

Documentation and Communication Gaps
The lack of a rollout may lead to outdated documentation and communication, causing users to be unaware of the current capabilities of Outlook, which can hinder their productivity.
   - roles: Technical Writers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=397094

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're planning a big event, like a wedding. You've told everyone that you'll be serving a special dish, but as the date approaches, you realize the recipe needs more work. So, you decide to hold off on serving that dish until it's perfect. Similarly, Microsoft had planned to introduce a new feature in Outlook for Windows that would allow users to easily share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files stored on their devices directly through email. This feature was supposed to roll out between mid-September and late October 2025. However, after further review, Microsoft decided not to proceed with this feature at this time due to the need for additional technical adjustments.

Just like in event planning, where sometimes plans change and you need to inform your guests, Microsoft is advising organizations to notify their users about this change and update any relevant documentation. There's no need for any administrative action, but keeping everyone informed ensures that there are no surprises.

In the future, when this feature is ready, it will work like this: Imagine you're at your desk, and you have a physical document you want to mail to someone. Previously, you might have had to go through a few extra steps to get it into an envelope and address it. With the new feature, it would be like having a direct mail slot right at your desk. You'd simply right-click the file on your computer, select the option to share it, and send it off through the new Outlook for Windows.

For now, Microsoft is working on perfecting this feature, and they will communicate when it's ready to be rolled out. This ensures that when it does become available, it will work smoothly and efficiently for everyone.