Message ID: MC1022526
The user privacy setting for optional connected experiences, already available in other Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft 365 apps, will soon be available in Microsoft Outlook on the web.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 467248.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early March 2025 and expect to complete by late March 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out in early April 2025 and expect to be complete by late April 2025.
[How this will affect your organization:]
After the rollout, to configure the privacy setting for optional connected experiences, users can go to Settings > General > Privacy and data > Privacy settings:
On the Privacy settings screen, select the toggle for Turn on optional connected experiences:
This privacy setting applies across all devices where users are signed in with the same work or school account.
As an admin, if you have already made optional connected experiences available to your users in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, this setting will be turned on for Outlook on the web when users receive this rollout. Learn more:
- Use policy settings to manage privacy controls for Office for the web applications – Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn
- Overview of Cloud Policy service for Microsoft 365 – Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn
NOTE: If a user has already turned off this setting in another Outlook or Microsoft 365 app, this setting in Outlook on the web will also be turned off when the user receives this rollout.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. Review your current configuration to determine the impact for your organization. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.
Learn more
- About privacy controls for optional connected experiences: Overview of privacy controls for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise (will be updated before rollout)
- About Office on the web policy settings, including the new settings for Outlook on the web: Use policy settings to manage privacy controls for Office for the web applications (will be updated before rollout)
Source: Microsoft
The upcoming update to Microsoft Outlook on the web, introducing optional connected experiences privacy settings, is set to make waves for both admins and users alike. This change, rolling out between March and April 2025, aims to enhance user control over privacy settings, a move that is likely to be welcomed by many.
For users, this update means more autonomy over their data. By navigating to Settings > General > Privacy and data, users can toggle the “Turn on optional connected experiences” feature. This flexibility empowers users to decide how much connected functionality they want, which is particularly important in today’s privacy-conscious environment. Plus, the fact that this setting applies across all devices signed in with the same account adds an extra layer of convenience.
Admins, on the other hand, will find that the transition is relatively seamless. If connected experiences have already been made available in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, the setting will automatically be enabled for Outlook on the web during the rollout. This means less hassle and fewer disruptions in the workflow. However, it’s wise for admins to review their current configurations and communicate the changes to their users, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
The impact of these changes could be significant. By giving users more say in their privacy settings, Microsoft is likely to foster a sense of trust and transparency. This, in turn, could lead to higher engagement and satisfaction levels among users. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate a little more control over their digital lives?
I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on this update. How do you feel about having more privacy options? Will it change the way you use Outlook on the web? Let’s keep the conversation going! For more insights, check out additional posts at mwpro.co.uk.