check before: 2025-02-28
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Teams
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Feature Rollout Status Not Supported
Change type:
New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to set preferences for opening Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from links, extending to other Microsoft 365 apps like classic Outlook. The rollout starts in early May 2025 and completes by late May 2025. No admin action is required, but user notification is recommended.
Details:
Updated March 12, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps.
This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by mid-May 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2024-12-28
updated:
2025-03-13
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 Teams will introduce a feature in May 2025 allowing users to set preferences for opening Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in a web browser, desktop app, or within Teams, with these settings applying across Microsoft 365 applications like Outlook.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if their file opening preferences change unexpectedly, leading to inefficiencies in workflow.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek assistance with the new file opening preferences, impacting IT resources.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Training and Documentation Needs
Existing training materials and documentation may become outdated, necessitating updates to ensure users understand the new preferences, which can lead to temporary inefficiencies.
- roles: Training Coordinators, Content Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience through Consistent File Access
With the new feature allowing users to set preferences for opening files across Microsoft 365 apps, there is an opportunity to enhance user experience by providing a seamless transition between applications. Users can choose their preferred method of accessing documents, which can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction.
- next-steps: Communicate the new feature to users, highlighting how to set their preferences. Gather feedback on user experiences to identify any additional training or resources needed.
- roles: End Users, IT Support, Training Coordinators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Streamlined IT Support Operations
As users gain the ability to set their file opening preferences, the need for IT support related to file access issues may decrease. This can streamline IT operations, allowing the team to focus on more complex support tasks and improving overall efficiency.
- next-steps: Monitor support ticket trends related to file access issues and adjust IT resource allocation accordingly. Consider implementing a feedback loop to continuously improve support based on user needs.
- roles: IT Support, IT Management
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Improved Documentation and Training Resources
With the introduction of the new file opening preferences, there is an opportunity to enhance user documentation and training materials. This can ensure users are well-informed about the new capabilities and how to utilize them effectively, leading to better adoption and usage of Microsoft 365 apps.
- next-steps: Review and update existing documentation to include the new features. Develop training sessions or materials to educate users on how to maximize their use of the new preferences.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support, End Users
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/open-file-links-directly-in-microsoft-365-desktop-apps-from-teams-and-classic-outlook-7c1a08d0-54d0-499e-992e-2c41f70b59a1, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=471000
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
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.
change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-03-13 | MC Last Updated | 02/20/2025 20:38:52 | 2025-03-13T00:21:08Z |
| 2025-03-13 | MC Messages | Updated February 20, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2025 (previously early March) and expect to complete by mid-April 2025 (previously mid-March). General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 (previously mid-March) and expect to complete by late April 2025 (previously late March). | Updated March 12, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by mid-May 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. |
| 2025-03-13 | MC End Time | 06/09/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-07-07T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-03-13 | MC Summary | Users will soon be able to set preferences for opening Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from Teams, extending this feature to other Microsoft 365 apps like classic Outlook. The rollout begins in April 2025 and will complete by late April 2025. No admin action is required. | Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to set preferences for opening Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from links, extending to other Microsoft 365 apps like classic Outlook. The rollout starts in early May 2025 and completes by late May 2025. No admin action is required, but user notification is recommended. |
| 2025-03-01 | MC Feature Status | Feature Rollout Status Not Supported | |
| 2025-02-28 | MC Feature Status | Feature Rollout Status Not Supported | |
| 2025-02-21 | MC Messages | Updated January 23, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early March 2025 (previously late February) and expect to complete by mid-March 2025 (previously early March). General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-March 2025 (previously early March) and expect to complete by late March 2025 (previously mid-March). | Updated February 20, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2025 (previously early March) and expect to complete by mid-April 2025 (previously mid-March). General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 (previously mid-March) and expect to complete by late April 2025 (previously late March). |
| 2025-02-21 | MC Title | Microsoft Teams: File open preferences will extend to more Microsoft 365 apps | (Updated) Microsoft Teams: File open preferences will extend to more Microsoft 365 apps |
| 2025-02-21 | MC End Time | 05/30/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-06-09T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-02-21 | MC Last Updated | 01/24/2025 22:14:17 | 2025-02-20T20:38:52Z |
| 2025-02-21 | MC Summary | Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to set preferences for opening Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps. This feature, starting with Teams for Windows desktop and classic Outlook, is expected to roll out between early March and late March 2025. No admin action is required. | Users will soon be able to set preferences for opening Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from Teams, extending this feature to other Microsoft 365 apps like classic Outlook. The rollout begins in April 2025 and will complete by late April 2025. No admin action is required. |
| 2025-01-25 | MC Messages | Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps.
This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late February 2025 and expect to complete by early March 2025. General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early March 2025 and expect to complete by mid-March 2025. | Updated January 23, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: Users will be able to set their preference for how their cloud-hosted Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files should open when they select links for these files from Teams. The new setting (open in a browser, desktop app, or directly in Teams) will extend to links selected in other Microsoft365 apps, starting with classic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for greater consistency across apps. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 471000. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early March 2025 (previously late February) and expect to complete by mid-March 2025 (previously early March). General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-March 2025 (previously early March) and expect to complete by late March 2025 (previously mid-March). |
| 2025-01-25 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact |
| 2025-01-25 | MC Feature Status | Feature Rollout Status Not Supported | |
| 2025-01-25 | MC Last Updated | 12/27/2024 21:49:30 | 2025-01-24T22:14:17Z |
| 2025-01-25 | MC Summary | Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to set preferences for opening Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps. This feature, starting with Teams for Windows desktop and classic Outlook, is expected to roll out between late February and mid-March 2025. No admin action is required. | Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to set preferences for opening Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps. This feature, starting with Teams for Windows desktop and classic Outlook, is expected to roll out between early March and late March 2025. No admin action is required. |
Last updated 1 week ago
