check before: 2025-08-01
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 Groups, Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Education, Online, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Cloud Update is now generally available in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, enabling automated, controlled monthly updates with pause, rollback, exclusion windows, and rollout waves. It supports Copilot readiness, centralized management, and requires admin enablement with specific roles and subscription plans. GCC and some environments are unsupported.
Details:
Introduction
Cloud Update is now generally available in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (config.office.com), bringing modern, cloud-based controls to help you keep Microsoft 365 Apps current, secure, and Copilot-ready with less effort.
With Cloud Update, you can assign custom rollout waves, set exclusion windows for business-critical freeze periods, pause deployments, and roll back if needed-all from a single, lightweight experience.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): The rollout began in early August 2025 and is now complete.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-08-29
updated:
2025-08-29
Task Type
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Automated Updates
Without proper preparation, automated updates may disrupt user workflows, especially during critical business periods if updates are not paused or excluded.
- roles: Office Apps Administrator, Global Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/best-practices/adopting-cloud-update
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/best-practices/adopting-cloud-update
Copilot Readiness
Failure to enable Cloud Update may result in devices not being Copilot-ready, impacting user experience and productivity due to lack of access to new features.
- roles: Office Apps Administrator, Security Administrator
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/cloud-update-reaches-general-availability-transforming-microsoft-365-apps-manage/4440710, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update
Centralized Management
Not configuring Cloud Update can lead to fragmented update management, causing inconsistencies in app versions across the organization, which may confuse users.
- roles: Global Administrator, Security Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/best-practices/adopting-cloud-update, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
The Cloud Update feature in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center is like having a remote control for your TV, but for managing software updates. Imagine you have a smart TV that needs regular updates to keep running smoothly and to access new features. Instead of manually checking for updates or dealing with unexpected interruptions during your favorite show, you have a remote control that lets you schedule when updates happen, pause them if something important is on, or even roll back to a previous version if the new update causes issues.
With Cloud Update, administrators can manage updates for Microsoft 365 Apps in a similar way. They can automate monthly updates, decide when these updates should happen, and even pause or roll back updates if necessary. This means that businesses can keep their software up-to-date and secure without disrupting daily operations.
The feature also ensures that devices are ready for new experiences like Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is a bit like making sure your TV is compatible with the latest streaming service. By keeping everything on a supported update channel, businesses can be confident that their devices are ready for new tools and features.
Just like you need the right remote control to manage your TV, only certain admin roles can enable and manage Cloud Update. These roles are like having the right permissions to use the remote control effectively. And just as some TVs might not support all features, certain environments and subscription plans are required for Cloud Update to work.
Overall, Cloud Update simplifies the process of keeping Microsoft 365 Apps current and secure, much like how a remote control makes managing your TV easier and more convenient.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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