MC1133511 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

Teams users can now trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis, streamlining task automation; feature is on by default if Workflows app is enabled.

Similar updates

Details

RoadmapIds

498578

Summary

Microsoft Teams will enable triggering workflows via emoji reactions using the Workflows app, streamlining task automation. Available from late July 2025, this feature requires the Workflows app enabled and not blocked by DLP policies. Admins should review settings and raise user awareness to prepare.

Body (from Message Center)

We’re introducing a new way to automate tasks in Microsoft Teams using emoji reactions. With the Workflows app, users can now trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis in chats or channels. This feature helps streamline collaboration, reduce manual follow-ups, and accelerate response times. For example, reacting with ❗️can escalate a support issue, while 👀 can route a message to the appropriate team.

This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 498578

When this will happen

Public Preview (Worldwide): Late July 2025 – Early August 2025
General Availability (Worldwide): Early August 2025 – Mid August 2025
General Availability (GCC): Late October 2025 – Mid November 2025

How this affects your organization

This update enables users to:

Trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis.
Use prebuilt templates or create custom workflows using the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger.

This feature is on by default for tenants where the Workflows app is enabled. If the Workflows app or the emoji reaction trigger is disabled via Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, users will not be able to use this functionality.

What you can do to prepare

Raise awareness among users who may benefit from automating tasks using emoji reactions.
Ensure the Workflows app is enabled in Teams.
Review DLP policies to confirm that the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger is not blocked.
Users can access this feature by:
- Opening the Workflows app in Teams.
- Searching for “emoji” in the “Create” tab to use templates.
- Or selecting “Create from blank” and choosing the emoji reaction trigger for custom workflows.

Compliance considerations

Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable any of the following capabilities (Purview): - Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies or enforcement - Information Protection labels or sensitive information types - Conditional Access policies - Audit logging capabilities - eDiscovery or Content Search - Encryption methods or key management - Retention policies, holds, or deletion workflows	If the Workflows app or the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger is disabled via DLP policies, users will not be able to use this feature. Admins should review DLP settings to ensure compatibility.
Does the change include an admin control and, can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?	Admins can control access to the Workflows app and its triggers through Teams app permission policies and DLP settings.
Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?	Users can create and manage their own workflows if the app and trigger are not restricted by admin policy.

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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      "Summary": "Microsoft Teams will enable triggering workflows via emoji reactions using the Workflows app, streamlining task automation. Available from late July 2025, this feature requires the Workflows app enabled and not blocked by DLP policies. Admins should review settings and raise user awareness to prepare."
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