check before: 2025-11-01
Product:
Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Groups
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Exchange Online will limit each organization to 3,000 dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) starting November 2025. Once the limit is reached, new DDGs cannot be created until others are removed. This change is automatic, cannot be disabled, and admins should review and manage existing DDGs accordingly.
Details:
[Introduction]
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.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability: We will begin rolling out in early November 2025 and expect to complete by mid-November 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-10-02
updated:
2025-10-02
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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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**
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 Administrators, 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
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 Administrators, IT 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
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
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**
Microsoft Exchange Online is implementing a new rule that will limit each organization to a maximum of 3,000 dynamic distribution groups (DDGs) starting in November 2025. This means that if your organization reaches this limit, you won't be able to create new DDGs until some of the existing ones are removed. This change will occur automatically, and there will be no option to disable it.
To help visualize this, think of DDGs like seats in a theater. Imagine your organization has a theater with 3,000 seats. Once all the seats are filled, no more people can enter until someone leaves. Similarly, once your organization reaches 3,000 DDGs, you will need to remove some before you can add new ones.
For organizations with fewer than 3,000 DDGs, this change won't have an immediate impact. However, it's important to plan ahead. Admins should review their current DDGs and consider removing any that are no longer necessary. This proactive approach will ensure that when the limit is enforced, your organization can continue to create new DDGs as needed.
To assist with this, Microsoft provides a Dynamic Distribution Groups report in the Exchange admin center. This report allows admins to see how many DDGs exist in their organization and provides insights into their usage. It's like having a seating chart for your theater, showing which seats are occupied and which ones might be vacated.
In summary, while this change may require some adjustments, it's manageable with proper planning and review. Admins should take advantage of the available tools to monitor and manage their DDGs effectively.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 3 weeks ago ago
