MC801261 – New Microsoft Outlook: New Search filters (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook, Teams, Windows

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

398707

Details:

Summary:
The new Microsoft Outlook will introduce search filters such as All, Mail, Files, Teams, and People, with a rollout timeline updated to mid-August through mid-October 2024. This feature will be available by default for new Outlook for Desktop and the web users. No admin action is required before the rollout.

Details:
Updated July 22, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon for new Microsoft Outlook for Desktop and Microsoft Outlook for the web: Users will be able to filter search results by All, Mail, Files, Teams, and People. The Teams filter shows relevant chat messages. In the People results, users can select a person's name to display their full People card.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 398707.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out mid-August 2024 (previously mid-July) and expect to complete by mid-September 2024 (previously mid-August).
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-September 2024 and expect to complete by mid-October 2024.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-06-13

updated:
2024-07-23

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Search Functionality Disruption
Users may experience confusion and inefficiency due to the introduction of new search filters without prior training or documentation updates, leading to potential delays in finding information.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

User Experience Degradation
The sudden change in search functionality may lead to frustration among users who are accustomed to the old search method, impacting their productivity and overall satisfaction with the tool.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

Increased Support Requests
The rollout of new search filters without preparation may result in a spike in support requests as users seek assistance in navigating the new features, straining IT resources.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience through Search Filters
The introduction of new search filters (Mail, Files, Teams, People) will significantly improve user experience by allowing users to find relevant information quickly and efficiently. This can reduce the time spent searching for emails, files, and messages, leading to increased productivity.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions to familiarize users with the new search filters and their functionalities. Create user guides and documentation to help users leverage these features effectively.
   - roles: Employees, Team Leaders, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

Streamlined Collaboration with Teams Integration
The Teams filter allows users to quickly access relevant chat messages, enhancing collaboration across teams. This feature can lead to faster decision-making and improved communication, as users can seamlessly switch between email and Teams conversations.
   - next-steps: Encourage teams to utilize the Teams filter during collaborative projects. Schedule regular feedback sessions to understand the impact of this feature on team dynamics and communication.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

Reduced Administrative Overhead for IT Support
With the automatic rollout of the new search filters, IT administrators will face less pressure to manage user requests related to search functionalities. This can free up IT resources to focus on other critical tasks, improving overall operational efficiency.
   - next-steps: Monitor user feedback post-rollout to identify any issues or further training needs. Document any common queries to create a knowledge base for future reference.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Staff, IT Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=398707

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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