MC1245222 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

New Outlook for Windows will allow users to attach locally stored Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files to emails starting early September 2026; feature is on by default.

Similar updates

Details

RoadmapIds

557675

Summary

The new Outlook for Windows will support sending locally stored Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as email attachments starting early September 2026 worldwide (October for GCC). This feature is on by default, requires no admin action, and aims to align with classic Outlook functionality.

Platforms

Desktop

Body (from Message Center)

Updated May 4, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

[Introduction]

We’re adding support for sending locally stored Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as email attachments directly through the new Outlook for Windows. This update streamlines the sharing experience and aligns with ongoing efforts to bring feature parity between classic Outlook for Windows and the new Outlook.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 557675.

[When this will happen]

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early September 2026 (previously early May) and expect to complete by late September 2026 (previously late May).
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out in early October 2026 (previously early June) and expect to complete by late October 2026 (previously late June).

[How this affects your organization]

Who is affected

Users working with locally stored Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files (not stored in OneDrive).
Organizations adopting or transitioning to the new Outlook for Windows.

What will happen

Users can now share local Office files as email attachments directly through the new Outlook for Windows.
Users will no longer need to rely on the classic Outlook for Windows to send local file attachments.
This feature is ON by default.
There is no change to existing admin controls or policies, and all existing Outlook/Exchange policies continue to apply.

[What you can do to prepare]

No admin action is required.

To prepare your organization, you may:

Inform help desk staff about this update to reduce support inquiries.
Update your internal documentation if it references classic Outlook workflows.
Encourage users to adopt the new Outlook for Windows if your organization is transitioning away from classic Outlook.

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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    "ai_summary": "New Outlook for Windows will allow users to attach locally stored Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files to emails starting early September 2026; feature is on by default.",
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    "details_map": {
      "Platforms": "Desktop",
      "RoadmapIds": "557675",
      "Summary": "The new Outlook for Windows will support sending locally stored Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as email attachments starting early September 2026 worldwide (October for GCC). This feature is on by default, requires no admin action, and aims to align with classic Outlook functionality."
    },
    "id": "MC1245222",
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    "last_modified": "2026-05-04T22:00:22Z",
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