MC1191920 – (Updated) Improved People Skills Admin configuration

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Viva

Platform:

Germany, Mac, Online, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message

Links:

529865

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 is enhancing People Skills admin controls by enabling admins to turn off user experiences, manage settings via the Admin Center without PowerShell, and import custom skills libraries. Rollout begins mid-December 2025, allowing phased deployment, privacy compliance, and easier configuration. No action required now.

Details:
Updated December 10, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We are introducing three new ways to simplify how Admins manage People Skills:
Admin control: Turn off People Skills user experiences

Feature access management: Configure People Skills settings in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Ability to import custom skills library: Upload from your local device

This message is associated with Roadmap ID 529865.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete by mid-January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-12-04

updated:
2025-12-11

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Disabling People Skills User Experiences
If the People Skills user experiences are turned off without proper preparation, users may lose access to valuable skill insights and networking opportunities, leading to decreased collaboration and engagement.
   - roles: End Users, HR Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/people-skills-overview#where-does-people-skills-data-appear, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=529865

Configuration Management via Admin Center
Without preparation, admins may struggle with the new configuration management interface, leading to misconfigurations that could disrupt user experiences and hinder the effective use of People Skills.
   - roles: IT Admins, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/people-skills-sharing-inferencing-controls, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=529865

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 is introducing some changes to how administrators can manage People Skills within their organization. Imagine you're in charge of a large library. Previously, to manage the books and resources, you had to use a complex system that required special knowledge, like knowing how to read a secret code. Now, Microsoft is simplifying this process, making it more like using a straightforward app on your phone to organize and manage the library's collection.

One of the new features allows administrators to turn off People Skills user experiences. Think of this as having the ability to close certain sections of the library to the public while keeping others open. This means you can decide who gets to see and use certain skills information within your organization, similar to deciding which books are available to which library members.

Additionally, administrators can now manage People Skills settings directly through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center without needing to use PowerShell, which is like no longer needing to understand that secret code to organize the library. This change makes it easier to configure settings, much like adjusting settings on your phone with a few taps.

There's also a new option to import a custom skills library from your local device. Imagine this as being able to bring in your own collection of books to add to the library's offerings. This provides more flexibility in managing and customizing the skills available within your organization.

These updates are designed to give administrators more control and flexibility, allowing them to tailor the People Skills experience to meet their organization's specific needs, much like a librarian tailoring the library's collection to suit its patrons. No immediate action is required, but it's good to be aware of these changes as they roll out.