MC1142625 – Retirement of Microsoft Places team guidance feature (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Groups

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Retirement

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft is retiring the Team Guidance feature in Microsoft Places by November 3, 2025, to streamline collaboration and promote Microsoft 365 Groups. The retirement includes phased read-only and removal stages. Organizations should inform users, transition to Microsoft 365 Groups, and update training accordingly.

Details:
Introduction
We're retiring the Team Guidance feature in Microsoft Places. This feature allowed managers to set in-office team days and priorities. Its retirement supports Microsoft's strategy to streamline collaboration tools and promote the use of Microsoft 365 Groups for team coordination and scheduling.
When this will happen
August 27, 2025: Announcement phase begins
September 29, 2025: Read-only phase begins
November 3, 2025: Retirement phase begins; feature fully removed

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-27

updated:
2025-08-27

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

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Team Coordination
The retirement of the Team Guidance feature will disrupt existing team coordination practices, leading to confusion and potential misalignment in team schedules.
   - roles: Team Managers, Employees
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/retirement-of-places-team-guidance-ba959478-e979-4f76-b235-1afacf1b6185

Increased Training Needs
Users will require additional training to adapt to Microsoft 365 Groups, which may not be readily available, leading to a temporary decline in productivity.
   - roles: HR Trainers, Team Members
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/retirement-of-places-team-guidance-ba959478-e979-4f76-b235-1afacf1b6185

User Frustration
The abrupt removal of the Team Guidance feature without adequate preparation may lead to user frustration and decreased morale as they adjust to new tools.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://places.cloud.microsoft/places/people

Data Management Issues
Existing data in Team Guidance may become inaccessible or poorly managed during the transition to Microsoft 365 Groups, risking loss of important scheduling information.
   - roles: Data Managers, Project Coordinators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/retirement-of-places-team-guidance-ba959478-e979-4f76-b235-1afacf1b6185

Communication Breakdown
Failure to effectively communicate the changes and transition plan may lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in team communication.
   - roles: Communications Officers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/retirement-of-places-team-guidance-ba959478-e979-4f76-b235-1afacf1b6185

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only