Microsoft Planner: New service plan to support task-based chat

Microsoft Planner will introduce a new service plan enabling task-based chat for better collaboration, rolling out worldwide in early January 2026. It will be included in specific Planner, Project, and Dynamics 365 licenses and enabled by default. No immediate admin action is needed.

[Introduction]

We’re introducing a new service plan for Microsoft Planner that enables task-based chat, allowing teammates working on the same plan to communicate directly about tasks. This update improves collaboration and coordination for shared work managed in Planner.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 512432.

[When this will happen]

General Availability (Worldwide): The new service plan will start rolling out in early January 2026, with the task chat feature becoming available shortly after.

[How this affects your organization]

Who is affected: Organizations using Microsoft Planner, Project, and Dynamics 365 Project Operations.

What will happen:

• A new service plan will be added to enable task-based chat in Planner.
• The following licenses will include this service plan:
  • Planner Plan 1
  • Planner and Project Plan 3
  • Planner and Project Plan 5
  • Dynamics 365 products that include Dynamics 365 Project Operations
• Feature will be ON by default for eligible licenses.

[What you can do to prepare]

• No immediate admin action is required.
• Consider updating internal training and documentation to reflect the new chat capability.
• Communicate this change to helpdesk staff to prepare for potential user questions.

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.