MC967240 – Microsoft Teams: File open preferences will extend to more Microsoft 365 apps

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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:

471000

Details:

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.

Details:
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).

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

Created:
2024-12-28

updated:
2025-01-25

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**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new file opening preferences, leading to frustration when files do not open as expected, especially if they are accustomed to previous behaviors.
   - 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 Tickets
The change may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new preferences, impacting IT support workload.
   - 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

Workflow Disruption
Users may experience disruptions in their workflow if the new file opening preferences do not align with their established processes, leading to decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Project 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**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with File Preferences
The new feature allows users to set their preferences for opening files in a consistent manner across Microsoft 365 apps. This enhances user experience by providing flexibility and reducing confusion when accessing files from different applications.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new feature to users through internal newsletters or training sessions. Provide documentation on how to set preferences and the benefits of doing so.
   - 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 and Documentation
With the ability for users to set their file open preferences, IT can reduce the number of support tickets related to file opening issues. This allows IT to focus on more critical tasks and enhances overall productivity.
   - next-steps: Review and update internal IT support documentation to reflect the new feature. Train support staff on the new preferences to ensure they can assist users effectively.
   - roles: IT Support, Documentation Specialists, Helpdesk 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

Potential for Cost Savings in Training and Onboarding
As users can now customize their file opening preferences, onboarding new employees can be more efficient. This can lead to reduced training costs and a faster ramp-up time for new hires.
   - next-steps: Incorporate the new feature into the onboarding process for new employees. Create training materials that highlight how to set file preferences and the advantages of this customization.
   - roles: HR, Training Coordinators, Onboarding Specialists
   - 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**

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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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change history

DatePropertyoldnew
2025-01-25MC MessagesComing 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).
2025-01-25MC MessageTagNamesNew feature, User impactUpdated message, New feature, User impact
2025-01-25MC Feature StatusFeature Rollout Status Not Supported
2025-01-25MC Last Updated12/27/2024 21:49:302025-01-24T22:14:17Z
2025-01-25MC SummaryMicrosoft 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.

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