Microsoft is set to implement significant changes to the update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps, aiming to streamline the update process and better cater to the needs of various organizations. These adjustments, scheduled to take effect in July 2025, will impact how IT administrators manage updates and maintain system stability.
Current Update Channels Overview
As of now, Microsoft 365 Apps offer four primary update channels:
- Current Channel: Provides users with the latest features as soon as they are ready, typically receiving updates at least once a month.
- Monthly Enterprise Channel: Delivers updates on a predictable monthly schedule, allowing organizations to plan deployments more effectively.
- Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview): Offers a preview of the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, enabling organizations to test upcoming features before they are broadly released.
- Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: Provides updates twice a year, in January and July, with a focus on stability and extended support periods.
Starting in July 2025, Microsoft will implement the following changes:
- Deprecation of the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview): This channel will be retired, and devices currently using it will need to transition to another update channel.
- Reduction of Support Duration for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: The support window for this channel will be reduced from 14 months to 8 months. This change is intended to focus the channel on "unattended devices," such as those that do not require frequent user interaction.
- Extended Rollback Window for Monthly Enterprise Channel: The rollback period for this channel will be extended from one month to two months, providing organizations with a longer timeframe to address any issues that may arise from updates.
These changes have several implications for organizations:
- Transition Planning: Organizations using the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) must plan to transition to an alternative update channel before July 2025 to ensure continued support and updates.
- Update Management: With the reduced support duration for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, IT administrators will need to adjust their update management strategies to accommodate more frequent updates.
- Risk Mitigation: The extended rollback window for the Monthly Enterprise Channel offers a longer period to address potential issues, which can be beneficial for organizations prioritizing stability.
Microsoft's upcoming changes to the Microsoft 365 Apps update channels reflect an effort to streamline the update process and better align with the needs of different organizations. By understanding these changes and planning accordingly, IT administrators can ensure a smooth transition and maintain the stability and security of their systems.
Source: Windows Report Microsoft is changing how it releases Microsoft 365 app updates