Microsoft Planner: Task details side pane experience

Microsoft Planner will introduce a task details side pane by mid-August 2026, allowing users to view and edit tasks without leaving their main view. This feature, enabled by default on web and Teams, supports key task fields, remembers user preferences, and requires no admin action.

2026-08-03T18:59:37.053Z

Updated message,New feature,User impact

<p>Updated August 3, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.&nbsp;</p><p><b>[What and Why:]</b></p><p>We are introducing a new task details side pane in Microsoft Planner that enables users to view and edit task details without leaving their Board, Grid, or My Tasks view. This update improves productivity by reducing context switching and allowing faster task updates.</p><p>This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&amp;searchterms=566866" target="_blank">566866</a>.</p><p><b>[Rollout Schedule:]</b></p><p> General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in <b>late July 2026</b>; expected to complete by <b>mid-August 2026</b></p> <p><b>[Impact on Your Organization:]</b></p> <p><b>Who is affected:&nbsp;</b>All users with access to Microsoft Planner</p> <p><b>Platforms/Services:</b></p><ul><li>Planner on the web</li><li>Planner in Microsoft Teams</li></ul> <p><b>What will happen:</b></p> <ul> <li>Users will be able to open and edit task details in a side pane while keeping their main view visible.</li> <li>Supported task fields include assignees, due dates, status, notes, checklists, and attachments.</li> <li>The system will remember each user’s preferred experience (side pane or dialog) across sessions.</li> <li>On smaller screens, the experience will automatically switch to dialog mode.</li> <li>Existing workflows remain unchanged; users can continue using the dialog experience if preferred.</li> <li>The feature will be <b>enabled by default</b> for all users.</li></ul> <p><i>Screenshot - The "Open in side pane" tooltip on a task details dialog, with the Planner Grid view visible behind it.</i><br><br></p><ul> </ul><p><img src="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/customercomms/media/messagecenter/2026/07/21249.png"></p> <p><b>[Action Required/Recommendations:]</b></p> <ul> </ul><p>No admin action is required.</p><p>Recommended actions:</p><ul> <li>Inform users about the new side pane experience to reduce confusion.</li> <li>Update internal training materials and documentation if applicable.</li> <li>Prepare helpdesk teams for potential user questions about the new experience.</li> </ul> <p><b>[Compliance considerations:]</b></p><p> No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.</p>