💡 Our Technical Review in summary
Summary
Microsoft is retiring the “Featured Links” section on the SharePoint Start Page and within the SharePoint mobile app. This change is being implemented to streamline the SharePoint interface and reduce administrative complexity due to low feature adoption. The retirement process is scheduled to begin in early March 2026 and is expected to be fully completed by late June 2026.
Impact
- Administrative Constraints: Admins will lose all functionality to create, edit, update, or access Featured Links via the SharePoint admin tools.
- End-User Experience: The “Featured Links” section (typically located at the bottom left of the SharePoint Start Page) will be removed entirely. Users will no longer see these links on the web or in the SharePoint mobile app.
- Data Removal: Any existing links currently configured in this section will be deleted as the rollout reaches your tenant.
- Service Continuity: This retirement does not affect standard SharePoint site navigation, the SharePoint App Bar (Global Navigation), or Viva Connections Resources.
Action Required
- Audit Current Links: Review the links currently listed in the Featured Links section of your SharePoint Start Page to determine which resources are still critical for your users.
- Migrate to Alternatives: Transition important links to more robust navigation options, such as Global Navigation (configured via your SharePoint Home Site) or the “Resources” tab in Viva Connections.
- Update Internal Documentation: Identify and update any internal “How-to” guides, screenshots, or training materials that reference the Featured Links section.
- Notify Stakeholders: Inform your helpdesk and SharePoint site owners of the upcoming change to prepare for potential user inquiries during the March–June 2026 transition period.
Microsoft Official Update
Service: N/A
Category: planForChange
Severity: normal
Updated January 23, 2026: We are updating this post as a reminder. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We’re retiring the Featured Links capability on the SharePoint Start Page due to low adoption. This change helps streamline SharePoint experiences and reduce complexity for admins and end users. Alternative options, such as global navigation links or Resources in Viva Connections, provide more consistent ways to highlight important content.
Screenshot: The Featured Links option set for retirement appears at the bottom left in this image.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Retirement begins early March 2026 and will complete by late June 2026.
[How this affects your organization:]
Who is affected: All organizations using Featured Links on the SharePoint Start Page or SharePoint mobile app.
What will happen:
- Admins will no longer be able to create, edit, update, or access Featured Links.
- Existing Featured Links will be removed from the SharePoint Start Page and SharePoint mobile app.
- No impact to other SharePoint navigation features or Viva Connections resources.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- Review any existing Featured Links and plan alternative navigation options.
- Consider using global navigation links or Resources in Viva Connections to highlight important sites and content.
- Communicate this change to helpdesk and SharePoint site owners.
- Update internal documentation if it references Featured Links.
Learn more: Add featured links to the SharePoint start page
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified; review as appropriate for your organization.
