check before: 2026-02-15
Product:
Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook, Windows
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Context IQ will be retired in the new Outlook and Outlook on the web starting March 16, 2026, removing “/” suggestions for inserting files. Users can still attach files via paste, drag-and-drop, or Insert > Attach file. No admin action is needed; update training accordingly.
Details:
[Introduction]
We are retiring Context IQ in the new Outlook and Outlook on the web. This feature currently allows users to insert suggested files and other content by typing the "/" character while composing an email. We are retiring this capability to streamline the compose experience and reduce duplication with other supported attachment and editor workflows.
[When this will happen]
We will retire Context IQ from the new Outlook and Outlook on the web starting March 16, 2026.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-11
updated:
2026-02-11
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
summary for non-techies**
Outlook's Context IQ feature, which suggested files for email attachments, is being retired to simplify the process, but users can still attach files using existing methods like copy-paste, drag-and-drop, or the "Insert > Attach file" option.
Direct effects for Operations**
Removal of Context IQ suggestions
Users will lose the ability to insert suggested files using the '/' character, which may disrupt their email composition workflow.
- roles: End Users, Email Administrators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc
Increased reliance on alternative methods
Users will need to adapt to alternative methods for attaching files, which may lead to confusion and decreased productivity during the transition period.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc
Need for updated training materials
Organizations will need to update training and documentation to reflect the removal of Context IQ, which requires time and resources.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc
Potential decrease in user satisfaction
The removal of a feature that users are accustomed to may lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among users, impacting overall user experience.
- roles: End Users, User Experience Designers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc
Impact on email composition speed
Users may experience slower email composition times as they adjust to the new methods of attaching files, affecting communication efficiency.
- roles: End Users, Email Administrators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc
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.
Last updated 5 days ago ago
