Message Center is the central location to learn of upcoming changes, including new and updated features, scheduled maintenance, or other critical announcements regarding Microsoft 365. You can access this area from the admin center by clicking on Health.
In order to teach you about this helpful feature of Microsoft 365, we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions.
Message Center FAQs
- Who can access posts? Most users with a Microsoft 365 admin role can access and view Message center posts. There are several admin roles which cannot view the Message center automatically; although those in charge can assign a reader role to any user they choose, even those without admin access. (Admin roles without access include Compliance administrators,
Device administrators, Directory readers and writers, and Reports readers, among others.) - Is this the primary way Microsoft will communicate changes and updates? Yes, Message Center is typically the venue through which Microsoft relates the changes to the platform that you need to know about.
- Is it possible to see posts in my native language? Posts are written in English. However, users can choose to have the messages automatically machine-translated to a preferred language. There is also a drop down menu to choose from languages supported by Microsoft.
- Can changes or features be previewed before they are rolled-out to my company? Selected changes and new features may be previewed by joining the Targeted Release Program in your organizational profile. Targeted Release can be set up for the entire company, or just for selected users.
- Is it possible to know the exact dates of changes? At this point, Microsoft cannot provide the exact calendar date the changes will be implemented. In the Message center post, as much information as possible will be given on the timing of the release, based on Microsoft’s confidence level. Major updates will be communicated at least 30 days in advance when an action is required. Major updates might be those that affect daily productivity (inbox, meetings, delegations, sharing, and access), capacity of storage, changes in branding or URL, or a new application added to the product suite.
- Are posts to the Message Center specific to a single organization? Microsoft does strive to post only those messages which are relevant to an organization to their Message Center, but sometimes you may see messages which do not apply.
- Can Message Center posts be emailed to administrators? A weekly digest can be turned on which can be emailed to three email addresses. You can also turn off the digest in the future if you wish to stop receiving the digest.
- Who receives data privacy notifications for the organization? The global admin will receive data privacy messages for the organization, although other users may be added by assigning them a reader role. Other admin roles cannot view data privacy messages even if they have Message Center access.
- Why do messages sometimes disappear? Each message expires and is removed after a period of time, basically to keep the Message Center organized and easy to navigate. Most messages expire in 30 days. By default, the Message Center presents all active messages in a table with the most recent message at the top of the list.
For more information on implementing all the features of Microsoft 365 into your organization, call for a consultation with the IT experts at Alliance IT. From networking issues to outsourcing solutions, we are here to help.
