Microsoft 365: Targeted Release retirement

🚨 The Signal: Microsoft 365 is retiring 'Targeted Release' by January 2027, replacing it with 'Frontier', 'Standard', and 'Deferred' release options. Admins must review and update user release preferences to manage feature rollout, including AI capabilities.

The Impact

Admins are affected by new release options, creating a moderate risk of misaligned feature rollouts if not properly managed.

• Admins: Must reconfigure release preferences for all users.
• Security Teams: Need to update change management processes for new release channels.
• Users: May experience changes in feature availability based on new release settings.

The Action

1. Review current users assigned to 'Targeted Release' in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
2. Assess organizational readiness for 'Frontier', 'Standard', and 'Deferred' release options.
3. Develop a plan for migrating users to the new release preferences.
4. Configure new release preferences for users in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
5. Update internal documentation and change management procedures to reflect the new release channels.

Domain: Other · Impact: medium · Workload: M365 Apps