MC966640 – New Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Move email between mailbox and PST file (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:

473993

Details:

Summary:
The new Microsoft Outlook for Windows will soon allow users to move emails between mailboxes and PST files. Rollout starts mid-January 2025, with full availability by late April 2025. Organizations can manage PST file support via OutlookDataFile mailbox policy. No admin action is required before rollout.

Details:
Coming soon to new Microsoft Outlook for Windows: Users will be able move (drag and drop) emails from an Outlook Data File (.pst or Personal Storage Table file) to a mailbox and vice versa. Future releases of new Outlook for Windows will expand the support for .pst file capabilities.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 473993.
[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:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-12-27

updated:
2024-12-27

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the new functionality of moving emails between mailboxes and PST files without prior training or documentation updates, leading to potential errors in email management.
   - roles: End Users, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473993

Data Management Issues
Without preparation, users might inadvertently lose emails or misplace important data while dragging and dropping emails between mailboxes and PST files, resulting in data integrity concerns.
   - roles: End Users, Data Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of new features without adequate user training may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or seek assistance with the new email management capabilities.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473993

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced Email Management
The ability to move emails between mailboxes and PST files allows users to better organize their emails, which can lead to improved productivity and user satisfaction. Users can easily archive or retrieve emails without complex processes.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new feature to users and provide training on how to effectively use the drag-and-drop functionality for better email management.
   - 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=473993

Improved Compliance and Data Management
By allowing users to manage PST files directly, organizations can better enforce data retention policies and compliance measures. Users can move older emails to PST files, helping to keep mailboxes within size limits and improving overall data management.
   - next-steps: Review and update data retention policies to align with the new functionality and communicate these changes to relevant stakeholders.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Managers, 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=473993

Reduction in IT Support Queries
With the new feature enabling users to manage their own PST files, IT support teams may see a reduction in queries related to email archiving and management. This can free up IT resources for more strategic initiatives.
   - next-steps: Monitor support ticket trends post-implementation to assess the impact of the new feature on support queries and adjust IT resource allocation accordingly.
   - roles: IT Support Managers, Helpdesk Staff, IT Operations
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy?view=exchange-ps#-outlookdatafile, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=473993

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only