ENROLLING IN THE SHAREPOINT TARGETED RELEASE PROGRAM

The benefits of enrolling in the SharePoint Targeted Release program (part of Microsoft 365 Targeted Release)

The Targeted Release option in Microsoft 365 provides early access to new features and updates for services including SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams, and related applications. It typically makes features available four to six weeks before the Standard Release (general availability).

Key benefits include:

  • Early testing and validation: Administrators, change managers, and selected users can test and validate new updates before they reach the broader organization, identifying potential issues early.
  • Preparation for change management: Teams can prepare user notifications, documentation, training materials, and internal help-desk support in advance of the worldwide release.
  • Compliance and security reviews: Organizations can conduct necessary reviews and use available feature controls to manage rollout to end users.
  • Feedback opportunities: Participants can provide direct feedback to Microsoft, helping shape product improvements.
  • Proactive adoption: IT teams and power users gain familiarity with upcoming features, enabling smoother organization-wide deployment and reducing disruption.

Note:

  • Microsoft recommends using Targeted Release for selected users rather than the entire organization in larger environments to minimize risk. Switching back from Targeted to Standard Release may cause users to lose access to features not yet in Standard Release.

How to enroll in the Targeted Release Program

  • Enrollment is managed at the tenant level through the Microsoft 365 admin center by a Global Administrator or another appropriate admin role.
    • Steps
      • 1. Sign in to the [Microsoft 365 admin center](https://admin.microsoft.com) with administrator credentials.
      • 2. Navigate to **Settings** > **Org settings** (or **Organization profile** tab).
      • 3. Select **Release preferences**.
      • 4. Choose the desired option:
        •    - **Standard release** (default, to opt out or remain on the standard schedule).
        •    - **Targeted release for everyone** (entire organization receives early updates).
        •    - **Targeted release for selected users** (recommended for most organizations).
      • 5. If selecting for specific users, choose **Select users** (add individually) or **Upload users** (bulk via CSV), then add the appropriate users.
      • 6. Select **Save changes** (or **Save**).

Changes may take some time to propagate. You can verify the setting in the same Release preferences section. For the most current details or troubleshooting, refer to Microsoft's official documentation on release options in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

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