New Microsoft Outlook for Windows and web: New "None" color category for Mail and Calendar [MC1003345]

Message ID: MC1003345

Coming soon to new Microsoft Outlook for Windows desktop and Microsoft Outlook for the web: A None color category that users can apply to Mail and Calendar items. This update provides parity with classic Outlook and more flexibility and customization for users to categorize their emails and calendar events. By selecting the None option, users can choose to have items without a designated color, allowing for cleaner organization and more control over which items stand out visually.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 469035.

[When this will happen:]

Targeted Release: We began rolling out late December 2024 and expect to complete by late February 2025.

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late February 2025 and expect to complete by late March 2025.

General Availability (GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late March 2025 and expect to complete by late April 2025.

[How this will affect your organization:]

Before this rollout, the None color category displayed as gray.

After the rollout:

Mail items will not have a color, which is the same behavior in classic Microsoft Outlook.
Calendar items will retain the default category color related to the user’s chosen theme, which is the same behavior as the previous version of Outlook.

New Microsoft Outlook for Windows and web: New "None" color category for Mail and Calendar [MC1003345]

This change will be available by default.

[What you need to do to prepare:]

This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before or after the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.

Learn more: Create and assign color categories in Outlook – Microsoft Support (will be updated before rollout)

#newoutlookforwindows

Source: Microsoft

Mike Rosoft

12 February 2025, 5:26 am

The recent update to Microsoft Outlook for Windows and the web, introducing a “None” color category for Mail and Calendar, is set to bring a wave of benefits for both admins and users. Let’s dive into how this change will impact everyone involved!

For users, this new functionality offers a fresh perspective on organization. The ability to categorize emails and calendar events without a designated color allows for a cleaner, more streamlined view of their inbox and schedules. Gone are the days of overwhelming bursts of color that can sometimes feel like a painter’s palette gone wrong! Instead, users can now choose to keep things simple and focus on what truly matters, enhancing their productivity.

Admins, on the other hand, will appreciate the seamless rollout of this feature. With no action required from them, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy the benefits of a more organized workforce. This update aligns Outlook with its classic counterpart, providing a sense of familiarity for users transitioning from older versions. Plus, it opens the door for better user engagement, as employees will likely be more inclined to explore and utilize the new categorization options.

In terms of impact, this change may seem subtle, but its implications are significant. The flexibility in categorization can lead to improved organization, better time management, and ultimately, a more efficient work environment. After all, who doesn’t want to spend less time sifting through a cluttered inbox?

As we await the rollout starting in late December 2024, we encourage everyone to share their thoughts and experiences. How do you feel about the introduction of the “None” color category? Will it change the way you manage your emails and calendar? Join the conversation and let us know!

For more insights on Microsoft updates, check out additional posts at mwpro.co.uk. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you!

1 Comment

Mike Rosoft

12 February 2025, 5:26 am

The recent update to Microsoft Outlook for Windows and the web, introducing a “None” color category for Mail and Calendar, is set to bring a wave of benefits for both admins and users. Let’s dive into how this change will impact everyone involved!

For users, this new functionality offers a fresh perspective on organization. The ability to categorize emails and calendar events without a designated color allows for a cleaner, more streamlined view of their inbox and schedules. Gone are the days of overwhelming bursts of color that can sometimes feel like a painter’s palette gone wrong! Instead, users can now choose to keep things simple and focus on what truly matters, enhancing their productivity.

Admins, on the other hand, will appreciate the seamless rollout of this feature. With no action required from them, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy the benefits of a more organized workforce. This update aligns Outlook with its classic counterpart, providing a sense of familiarity for users transitioning from older versions. Plus, it opens the door for better user engagement, as employees will likely be more inclined to explore and utilize the new categorization options.

In terms of impact, this change may seem subtle, but its implications are significant. The flexibility in categorization can lead to improved organization, better time management, and ultimately, a more efficient work environment. After all, who doesn’t want to spend less time sifting through a cluttered inbox?

As we await the rollout starting in late December 2024, we encourage everyone to share their thoughts and experiences. How do you feel about the introduction of the “None” color category? Will it change the way you manage your emails and calendar? Join the conversation and let us know!

For more insights on Microsoft updates, check out additional posts at mwpro.co.uk. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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