check before: 2026-04-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Teams, Teams Premium
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting April 1, 2026, Microsoft Places licensing will shift from user-based to space-based, making core features widely available without Teams Premium. Advanced features like desk reservations and analytics will require a Shared Space license. Teams Premium users retain current capabilities until renewal, then must switch to Shared Space licensing.
Details:
[Introduction]
Starting April 1, 2026, Microsoft Places licensing will move from a user-based model to a space-based model. This change will align licensing with how organizations manage physical workspaces and will make core Places experiences more broadly available. Most users will gain access to Places Finder and the Places app, while advanced capabilities such as desk reservations, auto-release policies, and space-based analytics will require a Shared Space license.
Customers with an active Teams Premium subscription will be able to continue using existing Places premium capabilities through the remainder of their current subscription term. After renewal, these capabilities will be included in Shared Space licensing.
[When this will happen]
General availability (Worldwide): April 1, 2026
On this date, organizations will be able to acquire space-based licenses for Microsoft Places.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-20
updated:
2026-02-20
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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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft is introducing a space-based licensing model for Microsoft Places, where licenses are tied to physical spaces rather than individuals, allowing basic features for most users and requiring a Shared Space license for advanced features like desk reservations and space usage analysis.
Direct effects for Operations**
Licensing Transition Impact
Users may lose access to advanced features like desk reservations and analytics if their desks are not covered by a Shared Space license, leading to potential disruptions in workspace management.
- roles: End Users, Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/places/places-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/licensing-updates-extend-access-to-advanced-capabilities-in-microsoft-teams-and-/4488312
User Experience Disruption
Desks that are configured as bookable but not covered by a Shared Space license will appear as unavailable, causing frustration and inefficiencies for users trying to reserve workspaces.
- roles: End Users, Facility Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/places/places-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/licensing-updates-extend-access-to-advanced-capabilities-in-microsoft-teams-and-/4488312
Configuration Management Challenges
Admins will need to reconfigure auto-release policies and analytics settings, which may lead to temporary lapses in policy enforcement and data availability if not properly managed.
- roles: Admins, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/places/places-overview, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/licensing-updates-extend-access-to-advanced-capabilities-in-microsoft-teams-and-/4488312
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 3 weeks ago ago
