New Features in Microsoft 365 – March 2025
Microsoft Outlook: Managing Copilot Suggestions
Microsoft Outlook has rolled out a new feature that gives users the ability to hide Copilot suggestions, such as the “Summarize this email” option. This change is designed to provide users with increased control over their Outlook experiences. Once you adjust the setting, it will automatically synchronize across all versions of Outlook, including the latest releases for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and the web.
Important Notes on Compatibility
It’s important to note that the Classic Outlook for Windows version does not support this new setting. However, any changes made in the compatible versions will still sync across all Outlook applications, ensuring a consistent experience.
Microsoft Teams: Video Clip Recording
Microsoft Teams has enhanced its communication features by introducing the ability to record video clips in channels. This allows users to communicate in a more dynamic manner. Similar to the video messages available in chat, you can now record your screen, yourself, or create an audio-only clip. This feature can be sent as a new post or a reply in a channel.
How to Record Video Clips
To record a video, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the compose box in a channel.
- Click the "Record video clip" option found under the Actions and Apps button.
- Choose whether to record your screen, yourself, or just audio, and send your clip as needed.
Microsoft OneDrive: PDF Password Protection
Microsoft OneDrive now allows its users to enhance the security of PDF files by adding password protection. This feature is particularly useful for sensitive documents needing restricted access.
Steps to Protect PDF Files
To secure your PDF on OneDrive, follow these simple steps:
- Open the desired PDF file.
- Click on the “Set password” button found in the upper left toolbar.
- Enter a User Password under the Security section, which will be required to open the PDF.
- Set an Owner Password in the Protection section, which grants you the ability to control permissions like printing, copying, or altering the content.
Microsoft OneNote: Changes to Email Integration
Microsoft has announced that the "me@onenote" feature will be retired on March 26, 2025. Users will no longer be able to send Outlook emails to OneNote using this method. Instead, it is recommended to utilize the “Send to OneNote” feature available in Outlook, which allows for a seamless transition by sending emails and meeting invites directly to OneNote notebooks.
Microsoft Outlook: Read and Delivery Receipts for Mobile
The updated Microsoft Outlook app for iOS and Android is now allowing users to request delivery and read receipts while composing emails. This feature also enables users to respond to read receipt requests they receive.
Utilizing Receipts in Outlook
Here’s how to use the new receipts feature:
- When composing an email, look for the new “Receipts” option in the toolbar.
- You can easily request a confirmation of delivery and whether the recipient has read your message.
- Upon receiving an email that includes a read receipt request, you will have the option to choose whether to send a receipt and set preferences for future requests.
Upcoming Features in Microsoft 365
Microsoft SharePoint: Retirement of "Shared with Us" Feature
In April 2025, Microsoft will retire the "Shared with Us" feature in SharePoint Teams Sites. Users will need to adapt to managing shared content using existing tools. Here are alternatives:
- The OneDrive “Shared with me” option provides a customized view of shared files and folders.
- Users can access shared content via Microsoft Teams and email notifications.
Microsoft Teams: Collaborative Annotation Sessions
Starting in April 2025, Microsoft Teams will introduce a new feature allowing participants to request collaborative annotation sessions while sharing screens on Windows and Mac desktops. Participants not sharing their screen can ask for an annotation session that the presenter can accept or decline.
Microsoft Outlook: Retirement of the Feed Tab
On May 1, 2025, the Feed tab in the Outlook application for iOS and Android will be retired. Once this occurs, users will no longer find the Feed app available in the Apps list for pinning. Users are encouraged to transition to using Copilot in Outlook, the Files app for Outlook, and the “For You” section in OneDrive on the web for similar content recommendations.
