Right before the holiday break, Microsoft announced they would be pushing out an update to the new version of Outlook for all Microsoft 365 users, starting January 10th, 2025.
Although updating software to the most up-to-date version of your software is generally recommended, this latest Outlook release posed several significant challenges that prompted us to take the uncommon step of blocking the update for our clients.
Why We Decided to Block the Update
After thoroughly evaluating the new Outlook client, we identified several risks that could disrupt our customers’ operations.
- Overhauled Interface
The redesigned user interface could create confusion and slow down workflows, especially for users who are accustomed to the previous version of Outlook. - Compatibility Issues with Plugins
Many of our customers rely on third-party plugins and integrated tools, many of which are not yet compatible with the new Outlook version. This could lead to broken workflows and reduced functionality. - Workflow Disruptions
Customized settings and configurations that our clients depend on were missing or altered in the new version, potentially interrupting day-to-day tasks.
To safeguard our clients’ productivity and maintain operational stability, we made the proactive choice to block this update for now.
How We Blocked the Update
Using Microsoft-approved tools, we successfully prevented the rollout of the new Outlook client:
- Microsoft Group Policy Objects (GPO)
For clients with on-premises servers, we implemented tailored Group Policy settings to stop the update. - Microsoft Intune
For clients using cloud-based management, we configured Microsoft Intune compliance policies to block the update from installing.
By using these solutions, we ensured our clients could continue using their familiar, fully customized version of Outlook without interruption.
How Our Clients Stayed Protected
Thanks to our clients having the proper Microsoft licensing and support plans, we were able to implement this protection remotely without causing any downtime or workflow disruptions.
With the right licenses and support, our clients benefit from our ability to:
- Deploy device and software management policies remotely.
- React promptly to software changes and evaluate updates before they are automatically installed.
- Apply updates and adjustments without disrupting ongoing work or tools.
At Carden IT Services, we carefully assess every scheduled software update for our clients to ensure it is safe, beneficial, and won’t hinder business performance.
What’s Next?
We are continuously monitoring upcoming Outlook updates (and other Microsoft applications). Once the new version has been available for a while and we’re confident it works smoothly with our clients’ current software and workflows, we’ll re-evaluate and begin a gradual rollout. This phased approach allows us to closely monitor the process and swiftly resolve any issues.
Our priority is to deliver innovation without compromising reliability, ensuring our clients enjoy new features while maintaining high productivity.
If you want to know more about how we shield your business from disruptive software updates or learn about our IT support services, reach out to Carden IT Services today.
Stay secure. Stay productive. Stay supported.