MC846387 – Microsoft Outlook: Replace quick compose pop-up with inline appointment creation in new Outlook for Windows and web

Product:

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

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

406948

Details:

Summary:
In the new Outlook for Windows and web, single-clicking on an empty calendar slot will enable inline appointment creation instead of a quick compose pop-up. Rollout starts early April 2025 for Targeted Release and early May 2025 for General Availability. No admin action is required; notify users and update documentation.

Details:
Updated March 19, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
In new Outlook for Windows and web, when single-clicking on an empty time slot on the calendar surface, the quick compose pop-up will no longer appear. Instead, you will be able to create an appointment by typing directly in the time slot on the calendar grid, just as you can in classic Outlook for Windows. There will be no change to double-click behavior; the full compose form will still open as it does today.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 406948.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2025 (previously early March) and expect to complete by late April 2025 (previously late March).
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early May 2025 (previously late March) and expect to complete by late May 2025 (previously late April).

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

Created:
2024-08-02

updated:
2025-03-20

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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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Change
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the change in appointment creation method, as they are accustomed to the quick compose pop-up.
   - roles: End Users, Administrative Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Training and Documentation Needs
Existing documentation may become outdated, requiring updates to reflect the new inline appointment creation process, leading to potential misinformation.
   - roles: IT Support, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Potential Decrease in Productivity
Users may take longer to adapt to the new inline appointment creation, resulting in temporary decreases in productivity as they learn the new method.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with Inline Appointment Creation
The transition to inline appointment creation allows users to quickly add appointments without navigating through pop-ups, leading to a more streamlined and efficient workflow. This can significantly enhance user satisfaction and productivity, especially for roles that heavily rely on calendar management, such as project managers and administrative assistants.
   - next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize staff with the new inline appointment creation feature. Gather feedback post-implementation to assess user satisfaction and identify any additional training needs.
   - roles: Project Managers, Administrative Assistants, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Reduced Cognitive Load
By eliminating the quick compose pop-up, users can focus more on their calendar and less on navigating through multiple windows. This reduction in cognitive load can improve overall productivity, particularly for roles that require frequent scheduling, such as sales teams and event coordinators.
   - next-steps: Implement a pilot program to monitor how the change affects user workflow and gather qualitative data on user experience before and after the rollout.
   - roles: Sales Teams, Event Coordinators, HR Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Increased Adoption of Calendar Features
The inline appointment creation feature may encourage users to utilize calendar functionalities more frequently, as it simplifies the process of scheduling. This could lead to better time management and resource allocation across the organization, benefiting roles that require extensive collaboration, such as cross-functional teams.
   - next-steps: Promote the new feature through internal communications and highlight its benefits. Consider integrating calendar usage metrics to track adoption rates and adjust training as needed.
   - roles: Cross-Functional Teams, Operations Managers, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406948

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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