MC1181201 – (Updated) Frontier Admin Control User Assignment Changes

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:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-29

updated:
2025-11-13

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**

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**

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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**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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