MC1249428 - Retirement of the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel installation option for unmanaged devices

Introduction

Starting in April 2026, Microsoft will retire the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel installation option for unmanaged devices in the Microsoft 365 admin center. We are making this change to streamline installation choices and help organizations move toward more predictable, secure, and up-to-date release channels.

This retirement only affects the installation option for unmanaged devices. It does not change the update channel of any existing unmanaged device already assigned to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.

For more details on which devices are affected, review Manage Microsoft 365 installation options in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

When this will happen

• Worldwide and GCC: We will begin retiring this option on April 6, 2026, and expect to complete the retirement by April 11, 2026.

How this affects your organization

Who is affected

• Admins who manage Microsoft 365 Apps installation options for unmanaged devices through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
• Tenants currently using the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel only for unmanaged installation scenarios.

What will happen

• The Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel installation option will be retired for unmanaged devices starting on April 6, 2026.
• If your tenant currently has this channel selected:
  • Your existing selection will remain but will appear grayed out.
  • If you switch to a different update channel, you cannot reselect the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel for unmanaged installations.
• Existing unmanaged devices configured for this channel will continue to use it until you manually change the update channel.
• Devices managed through Intune, Configuration Manager, Cloud Update, or other management tools are not affected by this retirement.

What you can do to prepare

No action is required at this time.

Optionally, you may:

• Review your current installation channel selection for unmanaged devices.
• Evaluate alternative update management approaches, such as Cloud Update, Microsoft Intune, or Configuration Manager.
• Use Microsoft Learn guidance to change the update channel when appropriate: Change the Microsoft 365 Apps update channel for devices in your organization | Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Learn.

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.