MC966639 – New Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Manage email in PST files (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Feature update, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

473995

Details:

Summary:
The new Outlook for Windows will soon support managing emails in PST files, including moving, copying, deleting, and categorizing. Rollouts begin mid-January 2025, with general availability in March 2025. PST support will be default, but can be managed with OutlookDataFile mailbox policy. No admin action is required before rollout.

Details:
Coming soon to new Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Users will be able users will be able to move, copy, delete, flag/unflag, mark as read/unread, and set categories for email in an Outlook Data File (.pst or Personal Storage Table file). Also, users will be able to create, delete, move, and rename folders in .pst files. Future releases of new Outlook will expand the support for .pst file capabilities.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 473995.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out mid-January 2025 and expect to complete by late February 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early March 2025 and expect to complete by late March 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out late March 2025 and expect to complete by late April 2025.

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

Created:
2024-12-27

updated:
2024-12-27

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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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 or disruption in their workflow due to the new functionalities related to PST files, especially if they are not informed about the changes beforehand.
   - roles: End Users, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of new features may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new PST file management capabilities.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile

Data Management Risks
Without proper preparation, users may inadvertently delete or mismanage important emails stored in PST files, leading to potential data loss.
   - roles: End Users, Data Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with PST Management
The ability to manage PST files directly within Outlook will streamline email organization for users, reducing the need for external tools or manual processes. This can enhance productivity as users can categorize and manage their emails more effectively without leaving the Outlook environment.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new features to users through training sessions and documentation updates. Encourage users to explore the new capabilities and provide feedback on their experience.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995

Reduction in IT Support Requests
With users empowered to manage their PST files independently, there may be a decrease in support requests related to PST file management. This can free up IT resources to focus on more critical issues and projects, improving overall IT efficiency.
   - next-steps: Monitor support ticket trends post-rollout to assess the impact on IT workload. Adjust IT support strategies based on the data collected.
   - roles: IT Support, IT Managers, Operations Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995

Improved Compliance and Data Management
By managing PST files within Outlook, organizations can better enforce data management policies, such as retention and deletion, which can enhance compliance with data regulations and reduce risks associated with unmanaged PST files.
   - next-steps: Review and update data management policies to incorporate the new capabilities. Provide guidelines to users on compliance best practices related to PST file usage.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Governance Teams, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473995

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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