Microsoft is radically changing how shared mailboxes and folders are shown in Outlook

Shared mailboxes and folders will be shown as accounts in the new Outlook for Windows and Web, and these will now appear directly in your account list, primary email account, and other connected accounts, making them easier to find and access online.

The Redmond-based tech giant announced the capability in a recent entry to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, and along with it, the company will also be removing the Shared With node.

According to the entry, all shared resources will appear directly in the accounts list, making the navigation cleaner and more straightforward.

Here’s what it says:

To enhance your experience in Outlook, we’re introducing changes to how shared mailboxes and folders are displayed. Shared mailboxes and shared folders will now appear directly in your account list in the folder pane, alongside your primary account and other connected accounts. This improvement makes navigation more intuitive by treating shared resources as separate accounts, providing quick and organized access. As part of this update, we are removing the “Shared With” node from the folder pane. All shared resources will now be integrated directly into the accounts list for a cleaner and more consistent navigation experience. This update streamlines how shared resources are managed and accessed, helping you stay productive and focused. #newoutlookforwindows

The new change is set to be added to the new Outlook for Windows and Web in February 2025.

The Redmond-based tech giant will also allow Outlook users to change and customize the color of their files and folders starting next.

What are your thoughts on this?