MC1182710 – (Updated) Outlook for Android supports PDF attachment preview

Product:

Exchange, Outlook

Platform:

Android, Online, World tenant

Status:

Feature Rollout Status Not Supported

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

520386

Details:

Summary:
Outlook for Android will support in-app PDF attachment previews starting late November 2025, completing by January 2026. This feature enables automatic PDF preview within the app, requires no admin setup, and affects all commercial and education users. No action is needed, but communication to helpdesk is recommended.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To improve mobile productivity and streamline file access, Outlook for Android will soon support in-app PDF attachment previews. This update aligns with user feedback requesting faster, more integrated document viewing experiences without needing to switch apps.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 520386.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in late November 2025 and is expected to complete by end of January 2026 (previously late December).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-04

updated:
2026-01-15

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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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

In-app PDF Preview Feature
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not aware of the new in-app PDF preview feature, leading to increased helpdesk inquiries and potential disruptions in workflow.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=520386

Increased Helpdesk Inquiries
Without prior communication about the new feature, helpdesk staff may be overwhelmed with support requests related to PDF handling, impacting their ability to assist with other IT issues.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Team
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=520386

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Outlook for Android is getting a new feature that will make it easier for users to view PDF attachments. Starting from late November 2025, and expected to be fully available by January 2026, users will be able to preview PDF files directly within the Outlook app on their Android devices. This means that when someone receives an email with a PDF attachment, they can view it immediately without needing to open another app.

Think of it like having a built-in magnifying glass in your email app. Previously, if you wanted to read a PDF sent to you, you would have to leave Outlook and open a separate PDF reader, much like having to find and use a separate magnifying glass to read small print. Now, the magnifying glass is right there in the app, ready to use, making it quicker and more convenient.

This change is automatic and doesn't require any setup by IT administrators. It's like getting a new feature on your smartphone where you don't have to do anything to activate it—it just works. For those who prefer using a different PDF viewer, they can still choose to open the PDF in another app if they want.

It's recommended to inform helpdesk staff about this update so they can assist users if needed. Also, if your organization has specific preferences for which PDF viewer to use, it might be a good idea to communicate that to your team. There are no compliance issues identified with this change, but it's always wise to review it according to your organization's policies.