MC1101906 – (Updated) Offline Support for Calendar – Create, Edit and Delete Event support

Product:

Exchange, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message

Links:

490059

Details:

Summary:
Offline support in the new Outlook for Windows will allow users to create, edit, and delete single calendar events without internet. Rollout begins late September 2025, completing by mid-December. Recurring events offline are not supported. Controlled by the OWA mailbox policy setting OfflineEnabledWin.

Details:
Updated September 4, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're expanding offline capabilities in the new Outlook for Windows. Users will soon be able to create, edit, and delete single calendar events even when not connected to the internet. This enhancement improves productivity and flexibility when working offline.
This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID: 490059
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout will begin in late September 2025 and is expected to complete by late October 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late October 2025 (previously mid-September) and is expected to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously mid-October).

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

Created:
2025-06-24

updated:
2025-09-05

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**

Offline Calendar Functionality
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they attempt to create or edit recurring events offline, as this functionality is not supported. This could lead to mismanagement of schedules and missed appointments.
   - roles: End Users, Administrative Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-offline-in-outlook-2460e4a8-16c7-47fc-b204-b1549275aac9#picktab=new_outlook, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490059

Data Synchronization Issues
If users create or edit events offline without proper synchronization, there may be conflicts or data loss when they reconnect to the internet, leading to potential scheduling errors.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-offline-in-outlook-2460e4a8-16c7-47fc-b204-b1549275aac9#picktab=new_outlook " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-offline-in-outlook-2460e4a8-16c7-47fc-b204-b1549275aac9#picktab=new_outlook

Policy Management
If the OWA mailbox policy is not properly configured to enable offline functionality, users will be unable to utilize the new features, leading to decreased productivity and user dissatisfaction.
   - roles: IT Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490059

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Productivity
The ability to create, edit, and delete calendar events offline significantly enhances user productivity, especially for those frequently working in areas with unreliable internet access. This allows users to manage their schedules seamlessly without interruptions.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new offline capabilities to users and provide training on how to effectively use the feature. Ensure that the OWA mailbox policy is configured to enable offline support for users who need it.
   - roles: Employees, Team Leaders, Project Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-offline-in-outlook-2460e4a8-16c7-47fc-b204-b1549275aac9#picktab=new_outlook

Reduced IT Support Requests
With offline calendar functionality, users can manage their events without needing to contact IT for support during connectivity issues. This reduces the volume of support requests related to calendar management during outages.
   - next-steps: Monitor support ticket trends post-implementation to assess the impact on support requests. Adjust IT resources accordingly to focus on other areas of need.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/exchange/set-owamailboxpolicy

Improved Compliance and Data Management
The change allows users to access and edit calendar data offline, which can help in maintaining compliance with organizational policies by ensuring that data management practices are upheld even without internet access.
   - next-steps: Review compliance policies to ensure they align with the new offline capabilities. Provide guidance to users on data management best practices while offline.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Governance Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490059

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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