MC1119406 – New Outlook for Windows and Web: Outlook Newsletters – General Availability begins for Targeted Release (archived)

Product:

Entra, Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

328282

Details:

Summary:
Outlook Newsletters, enabling users to create recurring internal email updates, moves to General Availability in mid-2025 with default opt-out activation. Admins can control access via Set-OwaMailboxPolicy cmdlet. Organizations should review policies and prepare support teams for this new communication feature.

Details:
What and Why
Outlook Newsletters is a new way for users to create and share recurring email updates with internal audiences using the familiar Outlook interface. After a successful public preview, this feature is moving to General Availability (GA) with a change in default behavior: starting at the end of July, 2025, it will now be enabled by default (opt-out). This update aims to increase discoverability and adoption of the feature, helping teams communicate more effectively across the organization.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 328282
Rollout Schedule
Public Preview (Worldwide): Ending by late July 2025.
General Availability (Targeted Release): Begins late July 2025; expected completion by early August 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): Begins mid-August 2025; expected completion by late August 2025.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected:

All users of Outlook for the web and the new Outlook for Windows.
Admins managing mailbox policies via PowerShell.
What will happen:

Users will see a new drop-down option to create newsletters from the New Mail button.
A new navigation icon for Newsletters will appear in the left-side panel.
The feature will be enabled by default (opt-out model).
Admins can manage access using the Set-OwaMailboxPolicy PowerShell cmdlet.
The OutlookNewslettersAccessLevel property will default to ReadWrite unless explicitly set.
Action Required / Recommendations

Review your organization's OwaMailboxPolicy settings before August 2025.
Use the Set-OwaMailboxPolicy cmdlet to configure OutlookNewslettersAccessLevel to one of the following:
ReadWrite - users can create and read newsletters.
ReadOnly - users can only read newsletters created by others.
NoAccess - disables the feature entirely.
Communicate this change to helpdesk and support teams to prepare for potential user questions.
Update internal documentation if you reference Outlook capabilities.
Learn more: Newsletters in Outlook (Preview)
Compliance considerations
Compliance AreaExplanation
Does the change provide a new way of communicating between users, tenants, or subscriptions?Outlook Newsletters introduces a new method for internal communication via recurring email updates.
Does the change include an admin control and, can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Admins can manage access using the Set-OwaMailboxPolicy PowerShell cmdlet and Entra ID group membership.
Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Unless restricted by policy, users can choose to create or not create newsletters within Outlook.



Thank you for your feedback. We're actively refining the format of Message center posts based on your input. Please let us know if this updated format improves your understanding of the changes being communicated.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
Standard Release

Created:
2025-07-22

updated:
2025-08-03

Public Preview Start Date

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

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**

Default Feature Activation
The new Outlook Newsletters feature will be enabled by default, potentially overwhelming users with new options they are unprepared for.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Increased Support Queries
With the introduction of a new feature, helpdesk teams may face an influx of support queries from users unfamiliar with the functionality.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Policy Management Challenges
Admins may struggle to manage the new feature effectively without prior preparation, leading to potential misuse or confusion among users.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience a disruption in their workflow due to the unexpected appearance of new features and options in Outlook.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Training and Documentation Gaps
Existing training materials may not cover the new feature, leading to confusion and ineffective use of Outlook Newsletters.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced Internal Communication
The introduction of Outlook Newsletters provides a structured way for teams to communicate updates internally. This can enhance engagement and ensure that important information is shared consistently across departments.
   - next-steps: Train employees on how to create and manage newsletters effectively. Encourage teams to utilize this feature for regular updates, ensuring they understand the benefits of consistent communication.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Communications Managers, HR Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Streamlined Administrative Control
Admins can manage the Outlook Newsletters feature using the Set-OwaMailboxPolicy cmdlet, allowing for tailored access control based on organizational needs. This can help in ensuring compliance and security within the organization.
   - next-steps: Review current mailbox policies and adjust them as necessary to align with the new feature. Communicate changes to the IT support team to prepare for user inquiries.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

User Experience Improvement
With the new navigation icon for newsletters in Outlook, users will find it easier to access and utilize the feature, potentially increasing user satisfaction and productivity as they can create newsletters seamlessly.
   - next-steps: Gather feedback from users on their experience with the new feature and make adjustments to training materials based on this feedback to enhance user adoption.
   - roles: End Users, Product Managers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/manage/newsletters, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=328282

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

DPIA Draft**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only