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MC1234549: Use SharePoint quick steps to automate common tasks and workflows with new column type

Summary

  • Quick steps are now available as a column type in SharePoint lists and libraries, allowing users to trigger common actions directly from their data.
  • This feature enables inline automation for actions such as email, Teams chat, approvals, flows, and column updates through a simple sentence-builder experience.
  • Configuration of Quick steps can be done via the Automate menu in any SharePoint list or library.
  • The feature is enabled by default and adheres to existing permissions.
  • No action is required from users, but SharePoint admins and site owners should be notified.

Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 28 Feb 2026
Release End: 01 Apr 2026
Services: SharePoint
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Updated, New Feature, User Adoption

History

2/18/2026 Item Added to Message Center

Microsoft Message

Introduction

We’re sharing an update to the previously announced Quick steps experience in Microsoft SharePoint. With this update, Quick steps are now available as a column type in SharePoint lists and libraries, expanding how users can trigger common actions directly from their data.

This enhancement builds on existing Quick steps capabilities and brings inline automation—such as email, Teams chat, approvals, flows, and column updates—directly into list and library views using a simple sentence‑builder experience similar to SharePoint rules.

When this will happen

  • Targeted Release: Rollout begins mid‑February 2026 and is expected to complete by end of February 2026.
  • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High): Rollout begins late February 2026 and is expected to complete by early March 2026.
  • General Availability (DoD): Rollout begins early March 2026 and is expected to complete by early April 2026.

How this affects your organization

Who is affected:

  • Users of SharePoint lists and document libraries
  • SharePoint site owners

What will happen:

  • This update extends existing Quick steps by enabling them as a column type.
  • To configure Quick steps, go to the Automate menu in any SharePoint list or library.
  • Actions include email, Teams chat, approvals, Power Automate flows, and column updates.
  • The feature is enabled by default and respects existing permissions.

Learn more: Create a quick step for your list or library | Microsoft Support

What you can do to prepare

  • No action is required.
  • Notify SharePoint admins and site owners.
  • Update internal documentation if applicable.

Compliance considerations

Question: Does the change store new customer data, and if so, where?

Explanation: Quick steps store configuration metadata (such as defined actions and conditions) within the SharePoint list or library where the Quick steps column is created. This data is stored as part of the list or library configuration.

Question: Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?

Explanation: List and library item data can be used as inputs to trigger actions such as emails, Microsoft Teams chats, approval requests, Power Automate flows, or column value updates.

Question: Does the change provide a new way of communicating between users?

Explanation: Users can more easily initiate emails or Microsoft Teams chats directly from SharePoint list or library items using Quick steps.

Question: Does the change include an admin control?

Explanation: Access to create and use Quick steps is governed by existing SharePoint permissions and policies. No new tenant‑level admin toggle is introduced.

Question: Does the change allow users to enable or disable the feature themselves?

Explanation: SharePoint site owners control whether Quick steps columns are added to lists or libraries.