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Updated January 6, 2026: The rollout for VFAM based exclusion list for Viva insights and Copilot analytics is starting from Jan 6, 2026 and expected to complete by Jan 15, 2026. Exact roll out dates may vary by region. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
We’re updating how you manage user exclusions in Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics. Starting early January 2026, exclusions will be controlled through Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) policies instead of the current list-based method in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This new approach lets admins create user-, group-, or tenant-level policies to exclude users from all Viva Insights measurement (Copilot Dashboard, Advanced Insights, Organizational Insights), using the same scalable policy framework as other Viva features.
[When this will happen:]
The VFAM-based exclusion feature will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously early December 2025). Exact rollout dates may vary by region.
[How this affects your organization:]
Who is affected: Admins managing Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics exclusions.
What will happen:
- Existing exclusion lists will be automatically migrated to VFAM; no admin action is required.
- Users already excluded will remain excluded across all Viva Insights experiences.
- VFAM will become the default and only method for managing exclusions.
- Admins will use VFAM policies to configure new exclusions at the user, group, or tenant level.
- The exclusion behavior remains unchanged; only the configuration method is updated.
Screenshot - Viva Feature Access Management feature for Exclusion management:
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No immediate action is required.
- Inform your Viva admins about the upcoming change.
- Once VFAM is live, review your exclusion settings in the Microsoft 365 admin center (under Viva Insights).
- Use the VFAM policy interface for any future updates.
Learn more about VFAM access: Control access to features in Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Viva | Microsoft Learn
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
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"ai_action_required_by": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z",
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"ai_model": "gpt-4.1",
"ai_summary": "Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics exclusions will be managed via VFAM policies instead of exclusion lists starting January 6, 2026; existing exclusions migrate automatically.",
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"category": "stayInformed",
"details_map": {
"Summary": "Starting January 6, 2026, Viva Insights and Copilot Analytics user exclusions will transition to VFAM-based policy management, replacing the current list method. Existing exclusions migrate automatically, with no admin action needed. Admins will manage exclusions via VFAM policies at user, group, or tenant levels."
},
"id": "MC1188597",
"importance": 3,
"is_major_change": false,
"last_modified": "2026-01-06T17:25:33Z",
"ms_products": [
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"services": [
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"severity": "normal",
"tags": [
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"title": "(Updated) Microsoft Viva: Transition to VFAM-based exclusion management"
}
}