MC1194627 – (Updated) Microsoft Planner: New service plan to support task-based chat

Product:

Planner, Project, Skype for Business, Teams

Platform:

Online, Teams And Surface Devices, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

512432

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Planner will add a new service plan enabling task-based chat for better collaboration, rolling out worldwide starting January 2026. This feature will be ON by default for eligible licenses, including Planner Plan 1, Project Plan 3 and 5, and Dynamics 365 Project Operations. No immediate admin action needed.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing a new service plan for Microsoft Planner that enables task-based chat, allowing teammates working on the same plan to communicate directly about tasks. This update improves collaboration and coordination for shared work managed in Planner.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 512432.
[When this will happen]
General Availability (Worldwide): The new service plan will start rolling out in early January 2026, with the task chat feature becoming available shortly after.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-12-12

updated:
2026-01-15

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

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Users may be confused by the new task-based chat feature being enabled by default, leading to potential misuse or underutilization of the feature.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of the new feature without prior training may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

Disruption in Workflow
The new chat feature may disrupt existing workflows if users do not adapt quickly, potentially leading to miscommunication and delays in task completion.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Members
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration Features
The introduction of task-based chat in Microsoft Planner allows for real-time communication directly linked to tasks, enhancing team collaboration and efficiency. This can lead to quicker decision-making and improved project outcomes.
   - next-steps: Train teams on utilizing the task chat feature effectively, focusing on best practices for communication and collaboration within tasks. Update internal documentation to reflect the new capabilities and create user guides.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Collaborative Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

User Training and Support Improvement
With the new feature being ON by default, updating internal training programs and support documentation can improve user adoption and satisfaction. Proper training will ensure users understand how to utilize the new chat feature effectively.
   - next-steps: Develop and schedule training sessions for users focusing on the new features in Planner. Prepare helpdesk staff with FAQs and troubleshooting tips related to the new chat functionalities.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, Helpdesk Staff, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

Streamlined IT Administrative Tasks
The automatic activation of the new service plan for eligible licenses minimizes administrative overhead, allowing IT teams to focus on other critical tasks instead of managing feature rollouts manually.
   - next-steps: Monitor the rollout and gather feedback from users to identify any issues or additional training needs. Assess the impact on IT workload and adjust resource allocation accordingly.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Operations Managers, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=512432

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing a new feature to Microsoft Planner that will allow users to chat directly about tasks. Think of it like a digital version of a sticky note on a shared office whiteboard, where team members can write comments and notes about specific tasks. This new task-based chat feature will be available starting January 2026 and will be automatically turned on for certain licenses, such as Planner Plan 1, Project Plan 3 and 5, and Dynamics 365 Project Operations.

This feature aims to enhance collaboration by allowing team members to discuss tasks directly within the Planner tool, similar to how you might discuss a project with colleagues in a meeting room. It’s like having a dedicated chat room for each task, where you can use rich text, formatting, and mentions to ensure everyone is on the same page and aware of what needs attention.

No immediate action is required from administrators, but it might be helpful to update any internal training materials and inform helpdesk staff about this new feature, so they can assist users who have questions. There are no compliance issues identified with this update, but it’s always a good idea to review changes to ensure they align with your organization’s policies.

This new task-based chat feature in Microsoft Planner is designed to make task management more interactive and collaborative, much like how a team might gather around a whiteboard to brainstorm and discuss project details.