What’s new in Microsoft Planner – February 2025
Posted inPlanner

What’s new in Microsoft Planner – February 2025

Posted inPlanner

In the ever-evolving landscape of task management, the latest updates to Microsoft Planner bring a fresh wave of innovation designed to enhance productivity and collaboration for both administrators and users. This month’s rollout introduces powerful AI-driven features through the Project Manager agent, alongside several user-requested enhancements that promise to streamline workflows and enrich the overall planning experience.

Revolutionizing Task Management with the Project Manager Agent

Expanding Availability: Now Launching in Europe

The Project Manager agent, an AI-powered virtual assistant, is now available in public preview for European customers with eligible licenses, following its successful introduction in North America and Asia-Pacific. This expansion marks a significant milestone, enabling a broader audience to leverage AI to simplify task management.

From an administrator’s perspective, this rollout means easier onboarding and support for teams across regions, ensuring consistent productivity tools regardless of location. For users, the agent acts as a personal assistant that can automate routine planning tasks, freeing up time to focus on higher-value activities.

To dive deeper into the capabilities of the Project Manager agent, check out the detailed blog post Unleashing the power of agents in Microsoft Planner.

Task Generation from PDFs: Automate with Ease

One of the most requested features—automating task creation from attachments—is now a reality. Users can upload PDF files, and the Project Manager agent will generate and execute tasks based on the content. This feature significantly reduces manual data entry, allowing teams to convert documents into actionable plans swiftly.

For admins, this means less time spent training users on manual task input and more consistent task creation across projects. Users benefit from a smoother workflow, especially when dealing with complex documents that previously required tedious breakdowns into tasks.

Enhanced Collaboration with Microsoft 365 Copilot Integration

With a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, users can now generate and execute tasks alongside the Project Manager agent. Additionally, the rollout includes functionality for users with standard Microsoft 365 licenses to view and comment on AI-generated content. This fosters a more collaborative environment where team members can engage with plans dynamically.

Administrators will appreciate the improved transparency and communication this feature brings, helping to align teams and reduce misunderstandings. Users gain a more interactive experience, enabling feedback and adjustments in real-time.

Automatic Task Dependencies: Visualize and Prioritize

Tasks generated by the Project Manager agent now automatically include dependencies, recommending the optimal order for execution. Users can visualize these dependencies through the Timeline view, gaining clarity on task relationships and project flow.

This update empowers admins to oversee project timelines more effectively, ensuring that task sequences align with strategic goals. For users, understanding dependencies helps prioritize work and manage deadlines with greater confidence.

Seamless Plan Creation in Microsoft Teams Channels

The integration of Project Manager agent with Microsoft Teams channels allows users to quickly initiate plans within a Teams tab. This update enhances the synergy between communication and task management, making it easier to kickstart projects directly where teams collaborate.

Admins benefit from streamlined plan deployment within existing communication channels, reducing friction in project setup. Users enjoy a unified workspace where conversations and task planning coexist, boosting efficiency.

Learn more about this update in the new update to the Planner experience in standard Teams channels.

Latest Enhancements to Microsoft Planner

Personalize Your Plans with Custom Backgrounds

Custom backgrounds are now available for basic plans, allowing users to tailor the visual theme of their projects. This feature helps differentiate plans at a glance, making navigation and identification easier.

Administrators will find this useful for organizing multiple projects visually, while users can enjoy a more personalized and engaging interface. To add a background, simply open the Plan details pane by selecting the plan name or dropdown menu in the plan header. Suggested backgrounds tailored to your plan will be available for selection.

Note that this feature is still rolling out, so if it’s not visible yet, check back soon. Existing plans with custom backgrounds will retain their settings automatically.

A screenshot of Planner shows the Grid view of a plan. The Plan details pane is open to the right with different background options.

Visual Task Management with Board View in My Day and My Tasks

Board view, previously available only in plans, is now integrated into My Day and My Tasks. This visual layout helps users manage and prioritize their daily workload more intuitively.

For admins, this means users can better organize their tasks without additional training or tools. Users gain a flexible way to track progress and focus on top priorities.

Discover how to leverage this feature in the blog post Board view in My Tasks and My Day.

Join Plans in Public Groups with Ease

Plans created within public groups now feature a Join button, simplifying the process for users to add themselves to relevant plans. This encourages greater participation and collaboration across teams.

Admins can expect increased engagement and easier management of group plans, while users benefit from quick access to projects that matter to them.

Recover Recently Deleted Tasks Effortlessly

Accidental task deletions are no longer a cause for concern. Users can now undo deletions instantly by pressing CTRL + Z or clicking Undo in the notification toast that appears.

This feature reduces frustration and data loss, providing peace of mind for both admins overseeing project integrity and users managing their daily tasks.

We Value Your Feedback

Your insights continue to shape the evolution of Microsoft Planner. We encourage you to share your experiences and feature ideas through the Feedback button located in the top right corner of the app. Additionally, contribute to the community by submitting suggestions on the Planner Feedback Portal.

Additional Resources to Explore

These updates reflect a thoughtful blend of AI innovation and user-centric design, aimed at empowering teams to work smarter and more collaboratively. Whether you’re an administrator managing multiple projects or a user juggling daily tasks, these enhancements offer tangible benefits to elevate your planning experience.

Source: Microsoft

 

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