check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Microsoft Viva Connections, SharePoint
Platform:
mobile, Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
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:
[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:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-18
updated:
2025-12-18
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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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 may experience frustration due to the sudden removal of familiar links, impacting their workflow and productivity.
- roles: End User, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Increased Support Requests
Helpdesk teams may face an increase in support requests as users seek clarification on the removal of Featured Links and alternative navigation options.
- roles: Helpdesk Support, SharePoint Admin
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/change-links-list-on-sharepoint-home-page
Need for Communication and Training
Organizations will need to communicate the change and potentially train users on new navigation options, which may not be feasible without proper preparation.
- roles: SharePoint Admin, End User
- 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 can 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**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
The retirement of the Featured Links feature on the SharePoint Start Page is akin to a store deciding to stop selling a product that customers rarely buy. Just as a store might remove a low-selling item to make room for more popular products, SharePoint is removing this feature to simplify the user experience and make room for more effective tools.
From March to June 2026, administrators will no longer be able to create or manage these Featured Links, and any existing links will be removed. Think of it like a library that decides to remove a section of books that are rarely checked out. The library then suggests other sections or resources that are more frequently used and valued by patrons.
In place of Featured Links, organizations can use global navigation links or Viva Connections Resources. These alternatives are like a well-organized directory or a curated list of resources that help users find important information more easily. It's about guiding users to what they need in a more efficient way.
Organizations should prepare for this change by reviewing any current Featured Links and planning how to transition to these alternative navigation options. It's like a company planning to update its website layout to ensure visitors can still find the most important information without the outdated sections.
Communicating this change to relevant teams, such as helpdesk staff and SharePoint site owners, is important. It's similar to informing employees about a new office layout so everyone knows where to find things. Updating any internal documents that mention Featured Links is also a good idea, much like updating a company handbook to reflect new policies.
Overall, this change is about improving the SharePoint experience by focusing on tools that better serve users' needs.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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