MC1181201 – (Updated) Frontier Admin Control User Assignment Changes (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting November 13, 2025, Microsoft will remove group-based assignments for Frontier Admin Control access, requiring admins to assign access to individual users only. A transition period from November 6–13 disables changes, during which existing group assignments convert to user-level entries. Prepare by reviewing and updating assignments.

Details:
Updated November 12, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To improve clarity and control over Frontier feature access, Microsoft is updating the Frontier Admin Control in the Microsoft Admin Center. Starting November 13, 2025, administrators will no longer be able to assign access using groups. This change aligns with feedback to simplify access management and ensure transparency in user-level assignments.
[When this will happen:]
Change takes effect: November 13, 2025
Transition period: November 6-13, 2025 (no changes to user assignments allowed during this time)

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-29

updated:
2025-11-13

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**

Access Management Disruption
Removal of group-based assignments may lead to confusion and delays in user access provisioning, impacting productivity as admins scramble to assign access to individual users during the transition period.
   - roles: IT Admins, Support Staff
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

Increased Administrative Burden
Admins will face an increased workload as they must manually assign access to each user instead of managing groups, potentially leading to errors and oversight in user access rights.
   - roles: IT Admins, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

User Experience Degradation
Users may experience delays in gaining access to necessary features during the transition, leading to frustration and decreased efficiency in their tasks.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Streamlined User Management
Transitioning to individual user assignments can enhance clarity and accountability in access management, allowing for more precise control over who has access to specific features. This change may reduce the complexity of managing user permissions and improve overall security by ensuring that only necessary users have access.
   - next-steps: Conduct a comprehensive audit of current group-based assignments and prepare a plan for transitioning to individual user assignments. This should include identifying key users who require access and ensuring their assignments are prioritized during the transition period.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Security Officers
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

Enhanced User Experience
With individual user assignments, admins can tailor access based on specific user needs and roles, potentially improving user satisfaction and productivity. This allows for more granular control over feature access, enabling users to have a more relevant experience with the tools they use.
   - next-steps: Gather feedback from users on their access needs and adjust assignments accordingly. This can be facilitated through surveys or focus groups to ensure that user roles align with their access requirements post-transition.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Teams, Product Managers
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

Improved Documentation and Training
The change necessitates an update to internal documentation and training materials, ensuring that all staff are aware of the new assignment method. This can lead to better understanding and adherence to access policies, reducing potential errors in user access management.
   - next-steps: Develop updated training sessions and documentation that reflect the new individual user assignment process. Schedule training for all relevant staff, including IT support and helpdesk teams, to ensure smooth implementation of the new system.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Administrators, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/frontier-program/

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Starting November 13, 2025, Microsoft will change how access is assigned in the Frontier Admin Control within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Previously, administrators could use groups to manage who had access to certain features. This is similar to how you might have a key card that opens multiple doors in an office building. If you belong to a certain department, your card might automatically open all the doors you need access to.

However, Microsoft is shifting away from this group-based approach. Now, each person will need their own "key card" to access Frontier features. This means that administrators will assign access to each user individually, rather than relying on group memberships. Think of it like giving each employee their own specific key for their office, rather than a master key that opens multiple doors.

During the transition period from November 6 to November 13, 2025, no changes can be made to user assignments. This is like a brief pause where the building management is reprogramming all the key cards. After this period, any access that was previously granted through groups will be automatically converted to individual access based on the group membership as of November 6.

Administrators should review their current setup and identify any access that is currently managed through groups. They will need to transition these to individual user assignments to ensure that everyone who needs access can continue to do so without interruption. It's also important to communicate these changes to helpdesk and support teams and update any internal documentation to reflect the new process.

While this change might seem like more work initially, it is intended to provide clearer control and transparency over who has access to what features. It's like knowing exactly who has a key to which door, making it easier to manage and track access.