MC1304293 - Updates to SharePoint home sites
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Summary
SharePoint home sites are being updated with simplified setup, new Resources and Announcements web parts, and enhanced customization for the renamed Viva Connections app, now called the SharePoint app in Teams. Rollout begins May 2026, with no changes to existing branding or data permissions.
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Introduction
We are updating the SharePoint home site experience and renaming the Viva Connections app in Microsoft Teams to the SharePoint app to simplify setup and provide more flexibility when deploying your main intranet experience in Teams. These changes streamline home site configuration, introduce new capabilities designed specifically for home sites, and expand deployment options in Teams. Additionally, we are introducing new web part enhancements available exclusively on home sites.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 557983.
When this will happen:
- Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early May 2026 and expect to complete by late May 2026.
- General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH): We will begin rolling out early June 2026 and expect to complete by late June 2026.
How this affects your organization:
Who is affected:
- SharePoint administrators managing home sites
- Organizations using the Viva Connections (now SharePoint app) experience in Microsoft Teams
What will happen:
- If you have an existing Viva Connections experience with a configured app name and logo in Teams, this update will not change your current branding or experience.
- The Viva Connections app in Teams will be renamed to the "SharePoint app in Teams."
SharePoint home site updates:
- Admins will be able to set up and designate a SharePoint home site directly from the SharePoint admin center, simplifying configuration and management.
- A new Resources web part will be available for SharePoint home sites to highlight key links, tools, and destinations.
- A new Announcements web part will be available for SharePoint home sites.
- A new customization experience for the SharePoint app in Teams will be available, allowing admins to tailor the SharePoint app experience for Teams desktop and mobile.
- These updates apply only to designated SharePoint home sites and respect existing permissions and policies.
What you can do to prepare:
- No action is required.
- Update internal documentation as needed.
- Inform helpdesk staff and communicate changes to end users.
Learn more: What's new for SharePoint home sites | Microsoft Learn
Compliance considerations:
| Compliance area | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed? | Existing SharePoint content is surfaced through new web parts and layouts, but data storage, permissions, and access controls remain unchanged. |
| Does the change include an admin control? | Admins can configure the SharePoint home site in the SharePoint admin center and customize the Viva Connections experience. |
| Does the change allow a user to enable or disable the feature themselves? | Site owners can choose whether to add or use the new Resources, Announcements, and News web parts. |