Quick answer: Microsoft is retiring Targeted release for Microsoft 365 services. From November 2026, admins can no longer add or remove users or change Targeted release settings. In January 2027, Targeted release is retired and users move to the new audience-based model: Frontier (early access), Standard release (features at general availability) or Deferred release (major features about 30 days after GA).
Admin action: check who is on Targeted release, choose Standard or Deferred for each group, enrol pilot users in Frontier if you want early features, and update your internal documentation.
Last updated: 31 October 2026. Written by a Microsoft 365 administrator. Based on Microsoft Learn documentation and Message center post MC1490899.
For years, Microsoft 365 admins used Targeted release to give a pilot group new features before everyone else. It was the simple way to test changes in Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and Outlook on the web before they reached all users. That option is going away. Here is what changes, when, and exactly what you should do in your tenant.
Table of contents
- What exactly is being retired?
- Timeline
- The new model: Frontier, Standard and Deferred
- How to map your current settings
- Step-by-step admin checklist
- Government clouds (GCC, GCC High, DoD)
- FAQ
What exactly is being retired?
Targeted release is being retired for these Microsoft 365 services:
- Microsoft 365 admin center
- Microsoft Teams
- OneDrive and SharePoint Online
- New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web
- Office for the web
Not affected: Microsoft 365 Apps update channels (Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise, Semi-Annual), Windows update channels, and Microsoft 365 Insider programs. So your desktop Office update strategy does not change.
Timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now | Review release preferences and enrol users in Frontier, Standard or Deferred release as needed. |
| November 2026 | Targeted release enrolment is frozen: admins can no longer add users, remove users or change Targeted release settings. The unified Release preferences experience becomes available. |
| January 2027 | Targeted release is retired. It is no longer used for feature delivery, and users move to their modern release preference. |
Until January 2027, users already on Targeted release keep getting Targeted release features.
The new model: Frontier, Standard and Deferred
| Option | When users get features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier | Eligible features before general availability (opt-in early access) | IT team, champions, people who test and give feedback |
| Standard release (default) | At general availability | Most organisations and users |
| Deferred release | Major features about 30 days after general availability | Regulated or change-sensitive organisations that need time for training and communication |
Note: Frontier is not a one-to-one replacement for Targeted release. It is an early-access programme. For features outside Frontier, a user's Standard or Deferred preference decides when they get them.
How to map your current settings
| Your current setting | Recommended after retirement |
|---|---|
| Targeted release for everyone | Standard release if users should get features at GA, or Deferred release if you need more preparation time. |
| Targeted release for selected users (pilot group) | Deferred release for the whole organisation, and add your pilot, IT and support users to Standard release. Optionally put a small group in Frontier. |
| Standard release for everyone | No change needed. |
The "Deferred for everyone, Standard for pilots" design keeps the old idea alive: your IT and pilot users see features about a month before the rest of the company.
Step-by-step admin checklist
- Find current Targeted release users: Microsoft 365 admin center > Settings > Org settings > Organization profile > Release preferences. Export or note the selected users.
- Decide your default: Standard or Deferred for the organisation.
- Configure Standard/Deferred: in the admin center go to Copilot > Settings > View all > Copilot Release preferences: General availability and assign users or groups.
- Configure Frontier (optional): Copilot > Settings > View all > Copilot Frontier, and enrol a small, trained group.
- Use groups, not individual users, so joiners and leavers are handled automatically.
- Update documentation: change SOPs, runbooks and onboarding guides that mention Targeted release.
- Inform stakeholders: helpdesk, change management, security and compliance teams, and your pilot users.
- Keep reading Message center: posts are still tagged with release types (Targeted, Standard, Deferred, Frontier). Filter by your services.
Microsoft recommends finishing these steps before November 2026, when Targeted release settings become read-only.
Why Microsoft is making this change
Microsoft says the goal is to simplify how organisations manage feature releases with one audience-based model across Microsoft 365, including Copilot. For admins, the practical change is that release timing is now managed in one place and early access is a deliberate opt-in through Frontier.
Government clouds (GCC, GCC High, DoD)
In GCC, GCC High and DoD environments, Standard release remains the supported option after retirement. Deferred release and Frontier are not currently available there, so check Microsoft's documentation for updates.
Tips for IT teams
- Create a small "early adopters" group (IT, helpdesk leads, a few power users) and keep it updated.
- Pair release preferences with a monthly review of Message center and Service health.
- Add this change to your system administrator checklist.
- Preparing for certification? Release management is part of Microsoft 365 admin skills. See MS-102 retirement and AB-650.
FAQ
When is Targeted release retired in Microsoft 365?
Enrolment changes stop in November 2026, and Targeted release is retired in January 2027.
What happens if I do nothing?
Users on Targeted release are moved to their current modern preference (Standard or Deferred). Services keep working, but your pilot users may lose early access.
Does this affect Microsoft 365 Apps update channels?
No. Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel and Semi-Annual Channel for desktop apps are not affected.
Is Frontier the same as Targeted release?
No. Frontier is an opt-in early-access programme for eligible features before general availability. It is not a direct replacement.
What is Deferred release?
Users get major features about 30 days after general availability, giving IT more time to prepare and train users.
Final words
This is a small settings change with a big impact on how your organisation tests new Microsoft 365 features. Spend 30 minutes now to review release preferences, set up Standard, Deferred and Frontier groups, and update your documentation before the November 2026 freeze.
){kind=link}
0 Comments