What are the key updates related to Microsoft Teams in the near future?
- Several significant updates are coming to Microsoft Teams. Users will be able to forward app cards within messages and utilize a new Lobby chat feature for meeting organizers to send one-way messages to attendees in the lobby. Performance improvements for guests joining meetings via Edge and Chrome web browsers are also being rolled out. The classic Teams desktop experience is scheduled for end of availability by July 1, 2025, requiring users to migrate to the new version. Additionally, Unified attachment flow on Teams Mobile is being introduced with a new content picker, and the ability to resize Teams windows is being enhanced.
What changes are being made to Microsoft Viva Engage?
- Microsoft Viva Engage is undergoing modernization of its External Networks, requiring administrators to migrate to the new platform or risk deletion of their networks after a grace period. The Viva Engage app for iOS/Android will also have a shorter name ("Engage") in app stores. New reply and reaction notifications will be integrated into the Teams Activity feed, and email subscription management is being updated for a more intuitive user experience. Additionally, a new "Stay Engaged" card will be available in the Viva Connections dashboard to interact with the Viva Engage feed.
How will legacy Exchange tokens be affected, and what action is required?
- Microsoft Exchange Online will disable legacy tokens starting in June 2025, with full retirement by October 2025. To ensure Outlook add-ins continue to function, organizations must migrate to NAA and Entra ID tokens. It is recommended to run tests to identify affected add-ins and contact publishers for updates. This change specifically applies to Exchange Online.
What updates are available for unlicensed Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat users?
- The Wave 2 Spring release for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app includes updates for unlicensed users. These updates feature a refreshed navigation pane, a simplified Copilot Chat experience, and an Agent Store. No administrative action is required for this rollout, but user notification and documentation updates are recommended.
How is the management of the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook for the web changing?
- Microsoft is changing how the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook for the web are enabled or disabled. The CASMailbox-OWAEnabled parameter will only affect Outlook for the web, while the new Outlook for Windows will be managed with the new CASMailbox-OneWinNativeOutlookEnabled policy. No administrative action is required before the rollout of this change.
What is happening with Microsoft Project for the web and Project in Teams?
- Microsoft Project for the web and Project in Teams will retire in August 2025. Users will be redirected to Planner for the web and Planner in Teams, as existing Project features will be integrated into Planner. Users are advised to migrate any Roadmap data to Portfolios and re-pin Projects in Teams tabs using Planner.
What are some of the updates related to Microsoft 365 Copilot and its integration with other services?
- Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps is becoming generally available. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, previously Microsoft Copilot, will be available in Teams and Outlook for Entra account users and will be automatically pinned for licensed users. A new Message consumption usage report for Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (preview) is being introduced in the admin center to manage metered consumption costs. Additional breakdown metrics by app for Copilot Chat in the standalone report are also becoming available.
Are there any notable security and compliance updates mentioned?
- Yes, there are several security and compliance related updates. The Microsoft Teams admin center is highlighting additional security and compliance information available for apps, making it easier for administrators to view this data. Microsoft Defender XDR services are recommending the deployment of the new Defender for Identity sensor on Microsoft Entra Connect servers for enhanced visibility and security. Microsoft Defender is also updating the Export-QuarantineMessage cmdlet with a new -PasswordV2 parameter. Microsoft Defender for Identity is adding new recommendations for Microsoft Secure Score. Microsoft Fabric will introduce Preview features for Workspace-level private links and Outbound access protection by default for enhanced security. Additionally, SharePoint and OneDrive will introduce a PDF compression feature and the ability to protect PDF files with passwords.
