💡 Our Technical Review in summary
Summary
- Microsoft is updating the SharePoint News web part’s “See all” experience (the News.aspx page) with a modernized layout and AI-powered features.
- The update introduces a dynamic mosaic grid designed to improve visual hierarchy, legibility, and editorial flow.
- New AI-driven capabilities will be integrated into the news experience, specifically for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
- The rollout for General Availability is scheduled to begin in late February 2026 and complete by mid-March 2026.
Impact
- User Interface: When users click “See all” on a News web part, they will encounter a refreshed dynamic mosaic grid instead of the legacy list or tile view.
- AI Capabilities: Only users assigned a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will be able to access the new AI-powered features for engaging with news content.
- Functionality: Core interaction patterns remain unchanged; the update focuses on visual presentation and the addition of AI insights rather than altering how news is created or managed.
- Phased Rollout: Due to the nature of the rollout, some users within the same tenant may see the new experience before others.
Action Required
- No Admin Action Required: This update will be applied automatically to all SharePoint Online environments; there are no administrative toggles to enable or disable the layout change.
- Update Documentation: Review internal SharePoint training materials, user guides, or “How-to” documentation that might feature screenshots of the legacy “See all” News page.
- Helpdesk Awareness: Inform internal support teams and helpdesks about the visual change to prevent confusion during the transition period.
- License Review: Identify which users currently have Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses, as they will be the only group eligible to use the new AI-driven news engagement tools.
Microsoft Official Update
Service: N/A
Category: stayInformed
Severity: normal
Updated February 9, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
We’re rolling out a refreshed “See All” experience for the SharePoint News web part (News.aspx page), bringing a modernized layout, improved visual rhythm, and new AI-powered capabilities to help users engage with news more effectively. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access the AI capabilities.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 499654.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout will begin in early November 2025 and completed in mid-February 2026 (previously late November 2025).
General Availability:
- Worldwide: Rollout will begin in late February 2026 (previously early February) and is expected to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously February).
- GCC, GCCH and DoD: Rollout will begin in late February 2026 (previously early February) and is expected to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously February).
[How this affects your organization:]
Who is affected: Users of SharePoint sites with the News web part enabled.
What will happen:
- When users click the “See all” button in the News web part, they will see a refreshed dynamic mosaic grid layout.
- The update enhances hierarchy, legibility, and editorial rhythm.
- Core interaction patterns remain unchanged.
- AI-powered capabilities will be available to users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
- Some users may see the new experience before others in your organization.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No admin action is required.
- The new experience will apply automatically when using the News web part.
- There is no impact to existing News web part functionality.
- If needed, communicate this change to your helpdesk or internal support teams.
Learn more: Use the News web part on a SharePoint page | Microsoft Support
[Compliance considerations:]
| Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data? | Yes. AI-powered capabilities are introduced and require a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. |
| Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? | Yes. Users with Copilot licenses will have access to new AI-driven features in the News web part. |
