MC1177178 – Microsoft 365 Admin Center Marketplace and Purchase Services node name change (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 suite

Platform:

Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting December 2025, the Microsoft 365 Admin Center will replace the Purchase Services node with a new Marketplace node as a Level 1 item above Billing. This visual update affects global and billing admins, requires no action, and involves no changes to functionality or permissions.

Details:
Introduction
To improve clarity and consistency in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, we're updating the navigation structure. Starting in December, the Marketplace node will become a Level 1 (L1) item in the left-hand navigation, positioned above Billing. This change replaces the current Purchase Services node and aligns with Microsoft's broader effort to standardize admin experiences across services.
When this will happen:
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, and DoD): Rollout will begin in early December 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-22

updated:
2025-10-22

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Navigation Confusion
Users may experience confusion due to the change in the navigation structure, potentially leading to delays in accessing necessary services.
   - roles: Global Admin, Billing Admin
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Documentation Inaccuracy
Existing internal documentation referencing the Purchase Services node may become outdated, leading to misinformation and user frustration.
   - roles: Global Admin, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Training Gaps
Without proper preparation, users may not be familiar with the new Marketplace node, resulting in inefficiencies and increased support requests.
   - roles: Global Admin, Billing Admin
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Improved Navigation Training
With the introduction of the new Marketplace node, it is an opportunity to conduct training sessions for global and billing admins to familiarize them with the updated navigation structure. This will enhance user experience and reduce potential confusion.
   - next-steps: Schedule training sessions and create training materials that outline the changes and benefits of the new navigation structure.
   - roles: Global Admins, Billing Admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Documentation Update Initiative
The change in node name provides an opportunity to review and update internal documentation, ensuring that all references to the Purchase Services node are replaced with the new Marketplace node. This will help maintain accuracy and clarity in user guides and support materials.
   - next-steps: Assign a team to review all internal documentation related to the Purchase Services node and update it accordingly before the rollout.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Support Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Feedback Mechanism for Admins
Implement a feedback mechanism for global and billing admins to share their experiences with the new Marketplace node. This can lead to further enhancements in the admin experience and address any concerns proactively.
   - next-steps: Set up a feedback form or regular check-in meetings with admins to gather insights on the new navigation and areas for improvement.
   - roles: Global Admins, Billing Admins, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

In December 2025, Microsoft is making a small but important change to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center that will affect how global and billing administrators navigate the platform. The "Purchase Services" section, which admins currently use to manage service purchases, will be renamed and repositioned as "Marketplace." This new Marketplace node will appear as a Level 1 item above the Billing section in the navigation menu.

Think of this change like reorganizing a bookshelf. Imagine you have a shelf labeled "Purchase Services" where you keep all your books about buying and managing services. Microsoft is simply relabeling this shelf to "Marketplace" and moving it to a more prominent position on the bookshelf, right above where you keep your financial books labeled "Billing." The books themselves—the content and the way you use them—remain exactly the same. It's just a matter of making it easier to find and access the information you need.

This update is purely visual and navigational, meaning there will be no changes to how the Marketplace functions or the permissions required to access it. You won't need to do anything differently in terms of how you manage services or permissions. The transition will happen automatically, so there's no action required on your part. However, it might be helpful to inform your helpdesk or support teams about this change, update any internal documentation that references the old "Purchase Services" label, and familiarize yourself with the new Marketplace placement.

In summary, this update is about making the Microsoft 365 Admin Center more intuitive and standardized, aligning it with other Microsoft services. It's like moving a frequently used book to a more accessible spot on your shelf, ensuring you can find it quickly when you need it.