Summary
Microsoft 365 Apps Cloud Update introduces simplified profile and channel management using Microsoft Entra ID groups, combining profile assignment and channel selection in one step. Rollout begins May 2026 (public preview) with general availability by late July 2026. No user impact; admins should update documentation accordingly.
Details
Updated July 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[What and Why]
This update introduces a simplified profile assignment and channel management experience for cloud update. Admins can now use groups to assign profiles and combine profile assignment with channel selection in a single step. This streamlines onboarding, makes it easier to move devices between update channels, and helps maintain consistent update management across the organization.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 558250.
[Rollout Schedule]
- Public Preview (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early May 2026 and expect to complete by late June 2026.
- General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late June 2026 and expect to complete by late July 2026 (previously late June).
[Impact on Your Organization]
Who is affected: Admins managing Microsoft 365 Apps updates using Cloud Update in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.
Platforms / Services:
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (Cloud Update)
What will happen:
- Admins can assign Cloud Update profiles using Microsoft Entra ID groups or built-in update channel groups.
- Profile assignment and update channel selection are combined into a single workflow.
- The Switch device update channel control in inventory is replaced by profile-based channel assignment.
- Existing Cloud Update profiles are automatically migrated with their associated built-in channel groups.
- Existing exclusions, rollout waves, pause controls, and rollback settings continue to apply.
- There is no impact to users.
Screenshot 1: Microsoft 365 Apps admin center home page showing available update profiles and access to profile management:
Screenshot 2: Profile details view showing device selection criteria using Microsoft Entra groups and built-in update channel groups:
[Action Required / Recommendations]
- No action is required to receive this public preview.
- Existing Cloud Update customers: profiles remain active and devices continue to be managed.
- New Cloud Update customers: profiles remain inactive until one or more groups are assigned.
- If you currently use the Switch device update channel control: add your group to the appropriate profile.
- Review and update any internal documentation related to Cloud Update.
Learn more:
New changes coming to cloud update - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn
[Compliance considerations]
| Area | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Admin control via Entra ID group membership | Cloud Update profiles can be assigned using Microsoft Entra ID groups, allowing admins to control update channel assignment based on group membership. |
Change History
July 13, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Updated
Title
Previous
Microsoft 365 Apps: Cloud update – simplified channel management (public preview)
New
(Updated) Microsoft 365 Apps: Cloud update – simplified channel management (public preview)
Summary
Previous
Microsoft 365 Apps Cloud Update introduces simplified profile and channel management, allowing admins to assign update profiles using Microsoft Entra ID groups in a single workflow. Rolling out from May to June 2026, it automates profile migration with no user impact and requires no action for public preview.
New
Microsoft 365 Apps Cloud Update introduces simplified profile and channel management using Microsoft Entra ID groups, combining profile assignment and channel selection in one step. Rollout begins May 2026 (public preview) with general availability by late July 2026. No user impact; admins should update documentation accordingly.
Last Updated Date
Previous
2026-05-28T21:28:14.390Z
New
2026-07-13T16:55:25.643Z
Tags
Previous
Feature update,Admin impact
New
Updated message,Feature update,Admin impact
Body Content
Previous
<p><b>[What and Why]</b></p><p>This update introduces a simplified profile assignment and channel management experience for cloud update. Admins can now use groups to assign profiles and combine profile assignment with channel selection in a single step. This streamlines onboarding, makes it easier to move devices between update channels, and helps maintain consistent update management across the organization.
</p><p>This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=558250" target="_blank" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-weight: 400; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">558250</a>.</p>
<p><b>[Rollout Schedule]</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Public Preview (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in <b>early May 2026 </b>and expect to complete by <b>late June 2026</b>.</li>
<li>General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in <b>late June 2026</b> and expect to complete by <b>late June 2026</b>.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>[Impact on Your Organization]</b></p>
<p><b>Who is affected: </b>Admins managing Microsoft 365 Apps updates using <b>Cloud Update</b> in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.</p>
<p><b>Platforms / Services:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Microsoft 365 Apps</li>
<li>Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (Cloud Update)</li>
</ul>
<p><b>What will happen:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Admins can assign Cloud Update profiles using Microsoft Entra ID groups or built-in update channel groups.</li>
<p>Screenshot 1: <i>Microsoft 365 Apps admin center home page showing available update profiles and access to profile management:</i></p><p><img src="https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/d072f8d2-b990-40bd-a2d4-a1789b03f1f3" style="width: 400px;" alt="user settings"></p>
<p>Screenshot 2: <i>Profile details view showing device selection criteria using Microsoft Entra groups and built-in update channel groups:</i></p><p><img src="https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/23db1111-cc77-4959-beca-97030edc81f2" style="width: 400px;" alt="user settings"></p>
<li>Profile assignment and update channel selection are combined into a single workflow.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/inventory#switch-device-update-channel" target="_blank">Switch device update channel</a> control in inventory is replaced by profile-based channel assignment.</li>
<li>Existing Cloud Update profiles are automatically migrated with their associated built-in channel groups.</li>
<li>Existing exclusions, rollout waves, pause controls, and rollback settings continue to apply.</li>
<li>There is<b> no impact to users</b>.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>[Action Required / Recommendations]</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>No action is required</b> to receive this public preview.</li>
<li><b>Existing Cloud Update customers:</b> profiles remain active and devices continue to be managed.</li>
<li><b>New Cloud Update customers:</b> profiles remain inactive until one or more groups are assigned.</li>
<li><b>If you currently use the Switch device update channel control:</b> add your group to the appropriate profile.</li>
<li>Review and update any internal documentation related to Cloud Update.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Learn more:</b><br></p><p><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update-enhancements#new-profile-assignment-and-channel-experience" target="_blank">New changes coming to cloud update - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn</a></p><p><b>[Compliance considerations]</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr>
<th>Area</th>
<th>Explanation</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Admin control via Entra ID group membership</td>
<td>Cloud Update profiles can be assigned using Microsoft Entra ID groups, allowing admins to control update channel assignment based on group membership.</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
New
<p>Updated July 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. </p><p><b>[What and Why]</b></p><p>This update introduces a simplified profile assignment and channel management experience for cloud update. Admins can now use groups to assign profiles and combine profile assignment with channel selection in a single step. This streamlines onboarding, makes it easier to move devices between update channels, and helps maintain consistent update management across the organization.
</p><p>This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=558250" target="_blank" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-weight: 400; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">558250</a>.</p>
<p><b>[Rollout Schedule]</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Public Preview (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in <b>early May 2026 </b>and expect to complete by <b>late June 2026</b>.</li>
<li>General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in <b>late June 2026</b> and expect to complete by <b>late July 2026</b> (previously late June).</li>
</ul>
<p><b>[Impact on Your Organization]</b></p>
<p><b>Who is affected: </b>Admins managing Microsoft 365 Apps updates using <b>Cloud Update</b> in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.</p>
<p><b>Platforms / Services:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Microsoft 365 Apps</li>
<li>Microsoft 365 Apps admin center (Cloud Update)</li>
</ul>
<p><b>What will happen:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Admins can assign Cloud Update profiles using Microsoft Entra ID groups or built-in update channel groups.</li>
<p>Screenshot 1: <i>Microsoft 365 Apps admin center home page showing available update profiles and access to profile management:</i></p><p><img src="https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/d072f8d2-b990-40bd-a2d4-a1789b03f1f3" style="width: 400px;" alt="user settings"></p>
<p>Screenshot 2: <i>Profile details view showing device selection criteria using Microsoft Entra groups and built-in update channel groups:</i></p><p><img src="https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/23db1111-cc77-4959-beca-97030edc81f2" style="width: 400px;" alt="user settings"></p>
<li>Profile assignment and update channel selection are combined into a single workflow.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/inventory#switch-device-update-channel" target="_blank">Switch device update channel</a> control in inventory is replaced by profile-based channel assignment.</li>
<li>Existing Cloud Update profiles are automatically migrated with their associated built-in channel groups.</li>
<li>Existing exclusions, rollout waves, pause controls, and rollback settings continue to apply.</li>
<li>There is<b> no impact to users</b>.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>[Action Required / Recommendations]</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>No action is required</b> to receive this public preview.</li>
<li><b>Existing Cloud Update customers:</b> profiles remain active and devices continue to be managed.</li>
<li><b>New Cloud Update customers:</b> profiles remain inactive until one or more groups are assigned.</li>
<li><b>If you currently use the Switch device update channel control:</b> add your group to the appropriate profile.</li>
<li>Review and update any internal documentation related to Cloud Update.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Learn more:</b><br></p><p><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/cloud-update-enhancements#new-profile-assignment-and-channel-experience" target="_blank">New changes coming to cloud update - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn</a></p><p><b>[Compliance considerations]</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr>
<th>Area</th>
<th>Explanation</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Admin control via Entra ID group membership</td>
<td>Cloud Update profiles can be assigned using Microsoft Entra ID groups, allowing admins to control update channel assignment based on group membership.</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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