MC1240699 – Introducing the new SharePoint experience

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:

547732

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:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview, Targeted Release

Created:
2026-02-28

updated:
2026-02-28

Public Preview Start Date

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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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MS workload name

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linked item details

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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**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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