check before: 2025-04-01
Product:
Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Groups
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Exchange Online will enforce a new limit of 3,000 dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) per organization starting in early April 2025. Admins will need to remove existing DDGs before creating new ones once this limit is reached. This change is automatic and cannot be turned off.
Details:
Updated March 10, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
We will soon introduce a new limit on dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) in Microsoft Exchange Online. Each organization will be limited to a maximum of 3,000 DDGs. After this limit is reached, admins will need to remove existing DDGs before creating new ones. Learn more: Exchange Online limits - Service Descriptions | Microsoft Learn
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin enforcing this limit in early April 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-03-06
updated:
2025-03-11
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Limit on Dynamic Distribution Groups (DDGs)
Organizations will be unable to create new DDGs once the limit of 3,000 is reached, potentially disrupting communication workflows and user group management.
- roles: Exchange Admin, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Increased Administrative Burden
Admins will need to actively manage and remove existing DDGs to create new ones, leading to increased workload and potential for oversight.
- roles: Exchange Admin, IT Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
User Communication Disruption
If DDGs are not managed properly, users may experience delays or failures in receiving communications intended for specific groups, impacting collaboration.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Documentation and Training Needs
Existing documentation may become outdated, requiring updates and additional training for admins and users on managing DDGs effectively.
- roles: Training Coordinator, Documentation Specialist
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Potential for Increased Errors
With the need to remove DDGs, there is a risk of accidental deletion of important groups, leading to communication breakdowns.
- roles: Exchange Admin, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Streamlining Group Management
With the introduction of a limit on dynamic distribution groups (DDGs), organizations have the opportunity to streamline their group management processes. By reviewing and cleaning up unused or redundant DDGs, organizations can improve their email flow efficiency and reduce administrative overhead.
- next-steps: Conduct an audit of existing DDGs using the Dynamic distribution groups report in the Exchange admin center. Identify and remove any DDGs that are no longer necessary, and establish a regular review process for group management.
- roles: IT Administrators, Email Administrators, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Improving User Communication
The limit on DDGs necessitates clear communication with users regarding the changes and the potential impact on their email group management. This presents an opportunity to enhance user education and support related to group usage and best practices.
- next-steps: Develop a communication plan to inform users about the upcoming changes, including guidelines on how to manage their groups effectively. Consider hosting training sessions or creating documentation to assist users in adapting to the new limits.
- roles: HR Managers, Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Enhancing Reporting and Analytics
The implementation of a limit on DDGs provides an opportunity to enhance reporting and analytics capabilities related to group usage. By leveraging the insights from the Dynamic distribution groups report, organizations can make data-driven decisions regarding group management.
- next-steps: Integrate reporting tools or dashboards that provide real-time analytics on DDG usage. Use these insights to inform future group creation policies and to identify trends in group usage across the organization.
- roles: Data Analysts, IT Administrators, Business Intelligence Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report, https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-03-11 | MC Last Updated | 03/06/2025 00:53:08 | 2025-03-10T19:40:43Z |
| 2025-03-11 | MC Messages | We will soon introduce a new limit on dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) in Microsoft Exchange Online. Each organization will be limited to a maximum of 3,000 DDGs. After this limit is reached, admins will need to remove existing DDGs before creating new ones. Before rollout, we will update this post with new documentation.
[When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin enforcing this limit in early April 2025. | Updated March 10, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
We will soon introduce a new limit on dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) in Microsoft Exchange Online. Each organization will be limited to a maximum of 3,000 DDGs. After this limit is reached, admins will need to remove existing DDGs before creating new ones. Learn more: Exchange Online limits - Service Descriptions | Microsoft Learn [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin enforcing this limit in early April 2025. |
| 2025-03-11 | MC Summary | Microsoft Exchange Online will limit dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) to 3,000 per organization starting in April 2025. Admins must remove existing DDGs to create new ones if the limit is reached. This change is automatic and cannot be turned off. Review and manage DDGs using the provided report link. | Microsoft Exchange Online will enforce a new limit of 3,000 dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) per organization starting in early April 2025. Admins will need to remove existing DDGs before creating new ones once this limit is reached. This change is automatic and cannot be turned off. |
| 2025-03-11 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-03-11 | MC prepare | The enforcement of the DDG limit will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. You may want to notify your admins about this change and update any relevant documentation.
We recommend reviewing the usage of Dynamic Distribution Groups (DDGs) in your organization and removing any DDGs that are no longer needed. You can use the Dynamic distribution groups report in the Exchange admin center (EAC) to see the number of DDGs in your organization and insights into their usage. To access this report, go to the EAC > Reports > Mail flow > Dynamic distribution group report. Learn more: Dynamic Distribution Groups report in the new EAC in Exchange Online | Microsoft Learn https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report | The enforcement of the DDG limit will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. You may want to notify your admins about this change and update any relevant documentation.
We recommend reviewing the usage of Dynamic Distribution Groups (DDGs) in your organization and removing any DDGs that are no longer needed. You can use the Dynamic distribution groups report in the Exchange admin center (EAC) to see the number of DDGs in your organization and insights into their usage. To access this report, go to the EAC > Reports > Mail flow > Dynamic distribution group report. Learn more: Dynamic Distribution Groups report in the new EAC in Exchange Online | Microsoft Learn https://learn.microsoft.com/exchange/monitoring/mail-flow-reports/mfr-dynamic-distribution-groups-report https://learn.microsoft.com/office365/servicedescriptions/exchange-online-service-description/exchange-online-limits#dynamic-distribution-group-limits |
Last updated 2 weeks ago
