check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Microsoft Viva Connections, SharePoint
Platform:
mobile, Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Retirement, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Featured Links feature on the SharePoint Start Page will be retired from March to June 2026 due to low use. Admins will lose access, and existing links will be removed. Alternatives include global navigation links and Viva Connections Resources. Organizations should plan and communicate this change.
Details:
Updated January 23, 2026: We are updating this post as a reminder. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're retiring the Featured Links capability on the SharePoint Start Page due to low adoption. This change helps streamline SharePoint experiences and reduce complexity for admins and end users. Alternative options, such as global navigation links or Resources in Viva Connections, provide more consistent ways to highlight important content.
Screenshot: The Featured Links option set for retirement appears at the bottom left in this image.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Retirement begins early March 2026 and will complete by late June 2026.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-18
updated:
2026-01-24
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
Pictures
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
The Featured Links feature on the SharePoint Start Page will be retired between March and June 2026 due to low usage, with global navigation links and Viva Connections Resources serving as alternatives to enhance navigation and user experience.
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Navigation Options
Admins will lose the ability to create or manage Featured Links, leading to potential confusion among users who rely on these links for quick access to important resources.
- roles: SharePoint Admin, End User
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
User Experience Disruption
Existing users accustomed to Featured Links may experience frustration and disruption in their workflow as they search for alternative navigation methods.
- roles: End User, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Increased Support Requests
The removal of Featured Links may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek assistance in finding alternative navigation options.
- roles: Helpdesk Support, SharePoint Admin
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Need for Internal Communication
Organizations will need to communicate the change effectively to ensure users are aware of the transition and available alternatives, which may not be adequately prepared for.
- roles: SharePoint Admin, Internal Communications Team
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Documentation Updates Required
Internal documentation referencing Featured Links will need to be updated, which may lead to inconsistencies if not managed properly.
- roles: SharePoint Admin, Documentation Specialist
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-01-24 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
We're retiring the Featured Links capability on the SharePoint Start Page due to low adoption. This change helps streamline SharePoint experiences and reduce complexity for admins and end users. Alternative options, such as global navigation links or Resources in Viva Connections, provide more consistent ways to highlight important content. Screenshot: The Featured Links option set for retirement appears at the bottom left in this image. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Retirement begins early March 2026 and will complete by late June 2026. | Updated January 23, 2026: We are updating this post as a reminder. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] We're retiring the Featured Links capability on the SharePoint Start Page due to low adoption. This change helps streamline SharePoint experiences and reduce complexity for admins and end users. Alternative options, such as global navigation links or Resources in Viva Connections, provide more consistent ways to highlight important content. Screenshot: The Featured Links option set for retirement appears at the bottom left in this image. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Retirement begins early March 2026 and will complete by late June 2026. |
| 2026-01-24 | MC Title | Retirement of featured links on SharePoint Start Page | (Updated) Retirement of featured links on SharePoint Start Page |
| 2026-01-24 | MC Last Updated | 12/15/2025 21:10:53 | 2026-01-23T18:04:30Z |
| 2026-01-24 | MC MessageTagNames | User impact, Admin impact, Retirement | Updated message, User impact, Admin impact, Retirement |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
