Microsoft is changing how it releases Microsoft 365 app updates

Another “major change” from Microsoft is here—this time, it’s about how Microsoft 365 app updates are released. If you manage updates across a company, you’ll want to pay attention.

Currently, Microsoft gives IT admins a choice between four update channels for Microsoft 365: Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise, Semi-Annual Enterprise (Preview), and Semi-Annual Enterprise. These let organizations pick how fast they get new features and fixes. However, Microsoft is shrinking that flexibility.

What’s changing and when

Starting July 2025, Microsoft will deprecate the Semi-Annual Enterprise Preview channel entirely. Devices using it need to switch to another channel as soon as possible.

The regular Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel isn’t going away, but its support window is being slashed from 14 months down to 8. Microsoft says this channel will now focus on “unattended devices,” meaning those that don’t need frequent interaction.

Also read: Microsoft 365 Roadmap June update: New features for Teams and Outlook

There’s some good news, though. Monthly Enterprise Channel users will get a longer rollback window. Instead of one month, they’ll now have two months to roll back updates if something breaks.

In a support document and admin center message (ID MC1087098), Microsoft explained the reasoning. Starting July 2025:

• The Monthly Enterprise Channel gets a 2-month rollback window.
• Semi-Annual Enterprise Preview is being phased out.
• The Semi-Annual Channel will now focus on automated or shared-use devices.
• Feature updates will come in January and July, with 6 months of support.