check before: 2024-10-01
Product:
Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook
Platform:
Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The new Microsoft Outlook will soon import folder order from classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows and web. Custom folder orders will be preserved, with special folders remaining at the top. Rollout begins October 2024, with various completion dates for different releases. Users can reorder folders using the new Outlook ribbon. No admin action is needed before the rollout.
Details:
Coming soon: We will automatically import the folder order from classic Microsoft Outlook for Windows to new Microsoft Outlook for Windows and Outlook for the web. If users have not customized their folder order, the default view will continue to display folders alphabetically in the new Outlook.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 378775.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early October 2024 and expect to complete by early November 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early November 2024 and expect to complete by early December 2024.
General Availability (GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out early December 2024 and expect to complete by early January 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2024-10-01
updated:
2024-10-01
Public Preview Start Date
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summary for non-techies**
Starting in October 2024, Outlook will automatically import the order of your folders from the classic version to the new version, maintaining any custom order you had, with the rollout completing by early 2025. Users can rearrange folders via the new Outlook ribbon under View > Layout > Folder pane, with special folders like Inbox, Drafts, and Sent Items always at the top.
Direct effects for Operations**
Folder Structure Changes
Users may experience confusion due to changes in folder structure as custom orders are preserved while the new Outlook supports only alphabetical ordering, potentially disrupting established workflows.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
User Experience Disruption
The automatic transition to the new folder order may lead to frustration among users who are accustomed to their previous custom folder arrangements, impacting their productivity.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
Training and Documentation Needs
The change necessitates updates to training materials and documentation to help users adapt to the new folder management features, which may not be readily available at rollout.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Improved User Experience with Custom Folder Organization
The ability to maintain custom folder orders in the new Outlook enhances user experience, allowing users to organize their emails in a way that suits their workflow. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on specific folder arrangements for productivity.
- next-steps: Communicate the changes to users, highlighting the benefits of custom folder organization. Provide training sessions or resources to help users maximize this feature.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders, Project Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
Enhanced Collaboration Through Improved Email Management
With the new folder organization feature, teams can collaborate more effectively by ensuring that important emails are easily accessible and organized according to project needs. This can lead to better communication and faster decision-making.
- next-steps: Encourage teams to adopt the new folder organization features and share best practices for email management during team meetings.
- roles: Department Heads, Collaboration Managers, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
Streamlined IT Administrative Tasks
The automatic import of folder orders reduces the need for IT support in reconfiguring user settings after the transition to the new Outlook. This can save time and resources for IT teams, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.
- next-steps: Review the current IT support processes related to Outlook configurations and update documentation to reflect the new automated feature, ensuring IT staff are prepared to assist users with any questions.
- roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Staff, Operations Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/change-the-order-of-folders-in-the-folder-pane-f333a1e5-2124-4900-a300-79e9692f085c, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=378775
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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