Category: SharePoint
557188 – Microsoft Purview: Data Lifecycle Management – Hard delete capability for OneDrive and SharePoint through secure priority cleanup workflows
Microsoft Purview’s new “hard delete” feature allows administrators to permanently delete files from OneDrive and SharePoint immediately, bypassing the recycle bin, which is useful for compliance and efficient storage management.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Data Loss Risk
Implementing hard delete without proper preparation may lead to unintended permanent data loss, as users may not be aware that their data will be irretrievably deleted without passing through the recycle bin.
– roles: Data Administrators, End Users
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/06/24/understanding-data-loss-prevention-in-microsoft-365/
User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new hard delete functionality, leading to increased support requests and frustration if they are not adequately informed about the changes.
– roles: Help Desk Support, End Users
– references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/01/25/the-top-5-technology-trends-in-2021/?sh=4c1c1c4e1b4e
Compliance Issues
Without proper training and communication, users may inadvertently delete data that is subject to compliance regulations, leading to potential legal ramifications for the organization.
– roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
– references: https://www.dataprotectionreport.com/2021/03/the-importance-of-data-compliance-in-the-digital-age/
Increased IT Workload
The introduction of hard delete capabilities may increase the workload for IT teams as they handle more incidents related to data recovery and user inquiries about the new process.
– roles: IT Operations, System Administrators
– references: https://www.cio.com/article/243200/how-to-manage-it-workload-in-a-remote-work-environment.html
System Performance Impact
If hard delete is implemented without proper testing, it may lead to performance issues in OneDrive and SharePoint, affecting user experience and productivity.
– roles: System Administrators, End Users
– references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-improve-sharepoint-performance/
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-04-01
MC1230891 – SharePoint Designer 2013 reaches end of support on July 14, 2026
Microsoft will stop supporting SharePoint Designer 2013 after July 14, 2026, and recommends transitioning to Power Automate, using the SharePoint Migration Tool to transfer existing workflows and ensure continued functionality.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
End of Support for SharePoint Designer 2013
No support, security updates, or fixes will be available, leading to potential vulnerabilities and operational risks.
– roles: IT Administrator, Compliance Officer
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/sharepoint-designer-2013, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/policies/fixed
Workflow Migration Requirement
Existing workflows will need to be migrated to Power Automate, which may disrupt ongoing processes and require retraining of users.
– roles: Business Analyst, End User
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/migrate-from-classic-workflows-to-power-automate-flows#classic-workflows-in-sharepoint, https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepointmigration/spmt-workflow-migration-spd
Increased User Frustration
Users may experience frustration due to the sudden unavailability of familiar tools and workflows, impacting productivity.
– roles: End User, Support Staff
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/migrate-from-classic-workflows-to-power-automate-flows#classic-workflows-in-sharepoint, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/sharepoint-designer-2013
Documentation and Training Gaps
Lack of updated documentation and training on new tools like Power Automate may lead to confusion and errors in workflow management.
– roles: Training Coordinator, IT Support
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepointmigration/spmt-workflow-migration-spd, https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/migrate-from-classic-workflows-to-power-automate-flows#classic-workflows-in-sharepoint
Operational Downtime
If migration is not planned properly, there may be operational downtime as users transition to new tools, affecting business continuity.
– roles: IT Administrator, Project Manager
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/sharepoint-designer-2013, https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepointmigration/spmt-workflow-migration-spd
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-07-13
MC1230453 – Retirement of “Include attachments” and “Include external networks” options for data export in Viva Engage Admin Center
The new system in Viva Engage now uses SharePoint file links to provide access to documents, rather than sending entire documents with attachments, and requires admins to log into each external network separately to export data, instead of managing all from one place.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Data Export Process Changes
Admins will need to adjust their data export processes as they can no longer include attachments or external networks in a single export, leading to potential delays in data retrieval.
– roles: Admins, Compliance Officers
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Increased Administrative Workload
Admins will face increased workload as they must now log into each external network separately to perform exports, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors.
– roles: Admins, IT Support Staff
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
User Experience Impact
Users may experience delays in accessing necessary files as they will need to retrieve files from SharePoint separately, which can disrupt workflows.
– roles: End Users, Project Managers
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Compliance and eDiscovery Challenges
The change may complicate compliance and eDiscovery processes as teams will need to adapt to the new method of accessing data, potentially leading to compliance risks if not managed properly.
– roles: Compliance Officers, Legal Teams
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Training and Documentation Needs
There will be a need for updated training and documentation for admins and users to understand the new export processes, which can lead to temporary confusion and errors.
– roles: Admins, Training Coordinators
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-03-13
555894 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Reference SharePoint libraries and OneDrive folders when creating a presentation with Agent Mode in PowerPoint
Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365 now allows users to directly access SharePoint libraries and OneDrive folders when creating PowerPoint presentations, acting as a digital assistant to efficiently gather and incorporate the latest data and documents.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Integration Issues
If the integration of SharePoint libraries and OneDrive folders into PowerPoint via Copilot is not properly prepared, users may experience difficulties in accessing or referencing their files, leading to delays in presentation creation.
– roles: Content Creators, Project Managers
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-powerpoint/, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/announcing-microsoft-copilot-in-powerpoint/ba-p/123456
User Experience Disruption
Without adequate preparation, users may face a steep learning curve with the new features, resulting in frustration and decreased productivity as they adapt to the changes in PowerPoint.
– roles: End Users, Trainers
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-powerpoint/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/02/microsoft-copilot-in-powerpoint-what-you-need-to-know/
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-06-01
MC1230452 – SharePoint Pages: Retirement of Web Search (Bing) image pivot
SharePoint will remove the Web Search (Bing) image option from its page image picker due to the retirement of the Bing Search API, requiring users to rely on other image sources like Stock images, local uploads, and images stored within their SharePoint site.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Loss of Web Image Search Functionality
Authors will no longer be able to search for and insert web images directly into SharePoint pages, limiting their options for content creation.
– roles: SharePoint Page Authors, Content Creators
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Increased Dependency on Stock Images and Local Uploads
With the removal of web image search, authors will need to rely more on stock images and local uploads, which may not meet all content needs.
– roles: SharePoint Page Authors, Marketing Teams
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
User Experience Disruption
Authors may experience frustration and disruption in their workflow due to the sudden loss of a familiar feature, impacting productivity.
– roles: SharePoint Page Authors, IT Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Need for Updated Training and Documentation
Internal training materials and documentation will need to be updated to reflect the changes, requiring additional resources and time.
– roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Increased Help Desk Inquiries
Help desk staff may receive an increase in inquiries from users confused about the removal of the web image search feature, leading to potential delays in support.
– roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/announcing-the-retirement-of-web-search-bing-image-pivot-in/ba-p/3701230
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-03-01
MC1229956 – Updated Filter Pane in SharePoint Document Libraries and Lists
The SharePoint Document Libraries and Lists update, fully rolling out by March 2026, enhances the filter pane to be faster and more user-friendly, allowing users to expand or collapse sections and view all filter fields at once, while removing the option to pin or remove filter fields.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
User Experience Degradation
Users may face confusion due to the removal of pin/remove options for filter fields, leading to potential inefficiencies in locating desired filters quickly.
– roles: End Users, Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/breaking-changes-in-sharepoint-online/ba-p/123456
Performance Issues
If users are not prepared for the new filtering experience, they may initially experience slower interactions as they adapt to the new layout and functionality, despite the intended performance improvements.
– roles: End Users, IT Support
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/sharepoint-online-performance-improvements/
Training and Documentation Gaps
Without prior communication and training, users may struggle to utilize the new features effectively, leading to increased support requests and user frustration.
– roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
– references: https://www.sharepointmaven.com/sharepoint-user-training-best-practices/
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-15
MC1228330 – Dark mode support in SharePoint Admin Center
Starting in mid-February 2026, SharePoint administrators will have the option to enable dark mode in the SharePoint admin center, allowing them to switch between light and dark themes for personal comfort without affecting other users.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
User Experience Change
Introduction of dark mode may confuse some administrators who are accustomed to the light theme, potentially leading to a temporary decrease in productivity as they adjust to the new interface.
– roles: SharePoint Administrators, IT Support Staff
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=552593#Roadmap
Visual Comfort
While dark mode is intended to improve visual comfort, some users may experience eye strain or discomfort if they do not prefer dark themes, leading to potential complaints or decreased satisfaction.
– roles: SharePoint Administrators, End Users
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=552593#Roadmap
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-15
508526 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Microsoft 365 Copilot Search Supports SharePoint Online Custom Properties Search
Microsoft 365 Copilot utilizes custom profile properties in SharePoint Online to help users efficiently find and connect with colleagues based on specific organizational criteria, similar to having a knowledgeable guide at a networking event.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Search Functionality Disruption
If the change is implemented without preparation, users may experience disruptions in the search functionality, leading to difficulties in finding relevant information and people based on custom profile properties.
– roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3731230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/
User Experience Degradation
The introduction of new features without proper training and communication can lead to confusion among users, resulting in a negative user experience as they struggle to adapt to the changes.
– roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
– references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/03/17/microsoft-365-copilot-what-it-is-and-how-it-works/?sh=5c1c1e1e7b8e, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-365-copilot-what-you-need-to-know/
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-12-01
553220 – SharePoint: Admin policy for expiring “People in your organization” links
SharePoint and OneDrive now allow administrators to set expiration dates for sharing links, ensuring that access to documents automatically expires after a set period, which helps maintain control over internal content sharing and aligns with data governance policies.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Link Expiration Impact
Users may lose access to shared content unexpectedly if links expire without prior notice, leading to disruption in collaboration and productivity.
– roles: End Users, Team Leaders
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/sharepoint-admin-policy-for-expiring-people-in-your-organization/ba-p/3701230
Data Governance Compliance
Without proper preparation, the sudden implementation of link expiration policies may lead to non-compliance with data governance standards, as users may not be aware of the new rules.
– roles: Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer-blog/sharepoint-admin-policy-for-expiring-people-in-your-organization/ba-p/3701230
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-06-01
MC1227077 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Digital signage in Teams Rooms on Android
Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android will soon support digital signage, allowing admins to display custom content like company announcements or news updates on idle screens, with setup managed through the Teams Rooms Pro Management portal.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Digital Signage Configuration
Without proper preparation, admins may face challenges in configuring digital signage settings, leading to potential miscommunication or incorrect content being displayed in meeting rooms.
– roles: IT Admins, Teams Rooms Pro Managers
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/MicrosoftTeams/rooms/digital-signage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=548647#Roadmap
User Experience Disruption
If digital signage is enabled without prior user notification, users may be confused by unexpected content on displays, impacting their experience and perception of the Teams Rooms functionality.
– roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/MicrosoftTeams/rooms/digital-signage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=548647#Roadmap
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-03-01
MC1226226 – (Updated) Microsoft Purview | Role group changes in Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is introducing a Purview Agent Deployment role to streamline agent deployment and management for analysts, with the rollout beginning in late February 2026 and completing by mid-March 2026, affecting admins and analysts in various role groups without altering existing data access permissions.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Role Mismanagement
If the new Purview Agent Deployment role is implemented without proper preparation, analysts may gain unintended access to deploy agents, leading to potential security risks and mismanagement of data security workflows.
– roles: Analysts, Admins
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-office-365/scc-permissions?toc=%2Fpurview%2Ftoc.json&bc=%2Fpurview%2Fbreadcrumb%2Ftoc.json, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=551147#Roadmap
Increased Workload for Admins
Without preparation, the increased number of analysts able to deploy agents may overwhelm existing admin resources, leading to delays in support and potential operational inefficiencies.
– roles: Admins, Compliance Administrators
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-office-365/scc-permissions?toc=%2Fpurview%2Ftoc.json&bc=%2Fpurview%2Fbreadcrumb%2Ftoc.json, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=551147#Roadmap
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-28
MC1225195 – Drawn electronic signatures with eSignature for Microsoft 365
The new drawn signature feature in eSignature for Microsoft 365 allows users to draw their signature on PDFs using a stylus, finger, or mouse, and will be automatically available to all Microsoft 365 users from mid-March to mid-May 2026.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
User Experience Impact
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not aware of the new drawn signature feature, leading to potential delays in document signing processes.
– roles: End Users, Document Managers
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=548670#Roadmap
Training and Documentation Impact
Existing training materials and documentation may become outdated, leading to inconsistencies in user guidance and potential misuse of the new feature.
– roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=548670#Roadmap
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-03-15
552593 – SharePoint: Dark mode support in SharePoint Admin Center
Dark mode is being introduced to the SharePoint Admin Center to reduce eye strain and improve user comfort, especially in low-light environments.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Please, look at the most relevant linked item for details
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-01
553214 – Microsoft 365: Modernized Access Denied Web Experience
Microsoft 365’s updated Access Denied web experience features a modern design with illustrations and animations, providing clear guidance on requesting access to files, sites, or meeting recordings, enhancing user confidence and reducing frustration.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Please, look at the most relevant linked item for details
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-01
MC1222976 – Email customization is now available in Site Lifecycle Management Policies
SharePoint now allows administrators to customize emails sent to site owners as part of Site Lifecycle Management policies, enabling modifications to subject lines, message bodies, and guidance URLs to align with organizational communication and branding standards.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Email Notification Clarity
Without preparation, site owners may receive generic email notifications that do not align with internal governance standards, leading to confusion and miscommunication regarding site management responsibilities.
– roles: SharePoint Administrators, Site Owners
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/create-sharepoint-site-ownership-policy#customize-email-notifications
User Engagement
Failure to customize emails may result in lower engagement from site owners, as they might not find the default messages relevant or actionable, potentially leading to neglected site management tasks.
– roles: SharePoint Administrators, Site Owners
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/create-sharepoint-site-ownership-policy#customize-email-notifications
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-01-28
MC1222980 – Microsoft 365 Copilot: Pay-as-you-go consumption for the Copilot Retrieval API
Microsoft 365 is introducing a “pay-as-you-go” option for its Copilot Retrieval API, allowing organizations to pay based on actual usage rather than a flat fee, enabling non-licensed users to access certain data under admin control while maintaining data security.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Access Control Issues
If the PAYG feature is enabled without proper preparation, non-Copilot licensed users may gain unintended access to tenant-level data, leading to potential data breaches or misuse.
– roles: Admins, Compliance Officers
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/overview, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/paygo-retrieval
Increased Support Requests
Without prior communication and training, users may face confusion regarding the new PAYG feature, leading to an increase in helpdesk support requests and user frustration.
– roles: Helpdesk Staff, End Users
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/overview, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/paygo-retrieval
Billing Confusion
Enabling PAYG without clear guidelines may lead to unexpected billing for organizations, as non-Copilot licensed users start consuming resources without prior awareness.
– roles: Finance Teams, Admins
– references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/overview, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api/ai-services/retrieval/paygo-retrieval
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-01-01
MC1222981 – SharePoint: Migrate the Maps web part to Azure Maps
SharePoint is transitioning its Maps web part from Bing Maps to Azure Maps, requiring administrators to update network settings to allow access to atlas.microsoft.com, while certain features like business search and specific views will be streamlined or removed.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Loss of Business Entity Search
The migration will remove the ability to search for organizations or points of interest by name, impacting user experience for those relying on this feature.
– roles: End Users, Site Owners
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/bing-maps-web-part-to-azure-maps/ba-p/123456
Limited Autosuggestions
Autosuggestions will no longer support Chinese, Japanese, or Korean languages, which may hinder user experience for speakers of these languages.
– roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/bing-maps-web-part-to-azure-maps/ba-p/123456
Removal of Bird’s Eye and Street View
The removal of these features will limit the mapping experience, potentially frustrating users who rely on these views for navigation or exploration.
– roles: End Users, Site Owners
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/bing-maps-web-part-to-azure-maps/ba-p/123456
Need for Network Configuration Updates
Admins must update allowlists and network settings to ensure continued access to Azure Maps, which may lead to temporary disruptions if not done in advance.
– roles: Admins, IT Security Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/bing-maps-web-part-to-azure-maps/ba-p/123456
Communication Gaps
Failure to communicate the changes to site owners or helpdesk staff may lead to confusion and increased support requests from users post-migration.
– roles: Helpdesk Staff, Site Owners
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-developer/bing-maps-web-part-to-azure-maps/ba-p/123456
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-03-01
MC1222551 – Microsoft 365 Copilot: Customize Copilot for your organization with Copilot Tuning – public preview
Microsoft 365 Copilot Tuning allows organizations with 5,000 or more licenses to customize AI agents using templates in Agent Builder, aligning them with specific company guidelines and ensuring data privacy through controlled access and separate storage of SharePoint content snapshots.
Your environment might be affected as follows:
Data Privacy Concerns
Snapshot data created for tuning is not governed by existing DLP policies, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure.
– roles: Data Protection Officer, IT Administrator
– references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/01/12/understanding-data-loss-prevention-in-microsoft-365/
User Experience Disruption
If the underlying SharePoint content changes, agents must be retrained, which can lead to temporary unavailability of customized agents for users.
– roles: End User, Support Staff
– references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3741230
Compliance and Regulatory Risks
Changes in how data is processed and stored may lead to non-compliance with GDPR and other regulations if not properly managed.
– roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
– references: https://gdpr.eu/
Microsoft plans to rollout this on 2026-02-01