(Updated) Microsoft 365 Apps: Cloud update – simplified channel management (public preview)

Updated July 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[What and Why]

This update introduces a simplified profile assignment and channel management experience for cloud update. Admins can now use groups to assign profiles and combine profile assignment with channel selection in a single step. This streamlines onboarding, makes it easier to move devices between update channels, and helps maintain consistent update management across the organization.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 558250.

[Rollout Schedule]

• Public Preview (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early May 2026 and expect to complete by late June 2026.
• General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late June 2026 and expect to complete by late July 2026 (previously late June).

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected: Admins managing Microsoft 365 Apps updates using Cloud Update in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.

Platforms / Services:

• Microsoft 365 Apps
• Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (Cloud Update)

What will happen:

• Admins can assign Cloud Update profiles using Microsoft Entra ID groups or built-in update channel groups.

Screenshot 1: Microsoft 365 Apps admin center home page showing available update profiles and access to profile management:



Screenshot 2: Profile details view showing device selection criteria using Microsoft Entra groups and built-in update channel groups:



• Profile assignment and update channel selection are combined into a single workflow.
• The Switch device update channel control in inventory is replaced by profile-based channel assignment.
• Existing Cloud Update profiles are automatically migrated with their associated built-in channel groups.
• Existing exclusions, rollout waves, pause controls, and rollback settings continue to apply.
• There is no impact to users.

[Action Required / Recommendations]

• No action is required to receive this public preview.
• Existing Cloud Update customers: profiles remain active and devices continue to be managed.
• New Cloud Update customers: profiles remain inactive until one or more groups are assigned.
• If you currently use the Switch device update channel control: add your group to the appropriate profile.
• Review and update any internal documentation related to Cloud Update.

Learn more:

New changes coming to cloud update - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn

[Compliance considerations]

Area	Explanation
Admin control via Entra ID group membership	Cloud Update profiles can be assigned using Microsoft Entra ID groups, allowing admins to control update channel assignment based on group membership.