Message center post structure updates may require admin script changes

Microsoft 365 Message center post headings will be standardized starting May 16, 2026, affecting admins using scripts or automation based on old headings. Update scripts to recognize new headings like "What and Why" and "Rollout Schedule" to avoid failures and ensure downstream systems work correctly.

[Introduction:]

We’re updating the Microsoft 365 Message center post structure to provide more consistent, concise, and actionable communications. This change standardizes section headings across Message center posts to improve readability, support automation scenarios, and enable future personalized and agentic experiences. As part of this update, existing section headings are being replaced with a new, consistent set of headers.

[When this will happen:]

May 16, 2026

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected

• Microsoft 365 administrators
• Admins or partners who use scripts, tools, or automation that parse Message center posts based on section headings

What will happen

• New Message center posts will use the following standardized headings:
  • What and Why
  • Rollout Schedule
  • Impact on Your Organization
  • Action Required/Recommendations
  • Compliance Considerations
• Previous Message center headings will no longer appear in newly published posts.
• Scripts or workflows that rely on the original headings may fail or return incomplete data if not updated.

[What you can do to prepare:]

• Review any scripts or automation that extract or classify Message center content by heading name.
• Update logic to recognize the new standardized headings.
• Validate downstream systems such as dashboards, alerts, or ticketing integrations.
• Communicate this change to admin, operations, and tooling teams as appropriate.

[Compliance considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.