check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, SharePoint
Platform:
Android, iOS, Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
A reimagined SharePoint experience with an intuitive design, streamlined architecture, and AI-assisted features (requiring a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) will roll out from March to May 2026. It includes a redesigned app bar with Discover, Publish, Build, OneDrive, and Home features. Enabling it is optional.
Details:
[Introduction]
We are introducing a reimagined SharePoint experience that simplifies how users discover knowledge, publish content, and build solutions. This update delivers an intuitive design, a streamlined information architecture, and foundational support for future AI‑assisted creation scenarios in SharePoint Online. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access the AI capabilities in this update.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 547732.
[When this will happen]
Public Preview: Rolling out in early March 2026; expected completion by late April 2026.
Targeted Release: Rolling out in late April 2026; expected completion by early May 2026.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rolling out in early May 2026; expected completion by late May 2026.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview, Targeted Release
Created:
2026-02-28
updated:
2026-02-28
Public Preview Start Date
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
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
summary for non-techies**
Microsoft is updating SharePoint with a new app bar featuring sections like Discover, Publish, Build, OneDrive, and Home, along with AI-assisted features requiring a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, to enhance navigation and collaboration.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Interface Changes
Users may experience confusion and frustration due to a redesigned app bar and navigation elements without prior communication or training, leading to decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/enable-new-sharepoint-experience, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=547732
Access to AI Features
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will be unable to access new AI-assisted features, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and a perception of inequality among users.
- roles: End Users, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/enable-new-sharepoint-experience, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=547732
Internal Documentation Updates
Failure to update internal documentation regarding SharePoint navigation may lead to misinformation and increased support requests, impacting user experience.
- roles: IT Administrators, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/enable-new-sharepoint-experience, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=547732
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Data Protection**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
DPIA Draft**
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.