Summary
Outlook will allow users to insert symbols into emails via the Insert tab, rolling out worldwide from October to December 2026. No admin action is needed, but users should be informed, and training materials updated. This affects new Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and Exchange Online.
Message ID: MC1479513
Service: Exchange Online
Category: Plan for Change
Tags: Feature update, User impact
Rollout: October 2026, November 2026, December 2026
A variety of symbols can be added to an email message that you are composing. On the Insert tab, select Symbols.
Rollout Schedule
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026.
Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid October 2026 and expect to complete by early November 2026.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026.
General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026.
General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected
- Users composing emails in new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web.
- Help desk and training teams that support Outlook message composition experiences.
Platforms/Services
- Exchange Online.
- New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web.
What will happen
- Users will be able to insert symbols into email messages from the Insert tab.
- This adds a built-in way to include special characters and symbols while composing messages.
- The capability will roll out automatically during the scheduled rollout window.
Action Required/Recommendations
- No admin action is required.
- Inform users that symbols can be inserted from the Insert tab when composing email.
- Update internal Outlook training or help desk guidance if it references how users add special characters to messages.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.