MC1479513 - Outlook: Insert Symbols
Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1479513.
MS Message Center's Summary
Microsoft is introducing a new capability that enables users to insert special characters and symbols directly from the Insert tab when composing messages in the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. The rollout begins globally in October 2026 and concludes by December 2026. Administrators should review internal support documentation and inform help desk staff about this addition.
- Administrator impact
- No direct administrator action is required.
- End user impact
- Users gain a built in method to add special characters and symbols while composing email messages.
- Importance
- 2/10: This is a minor feature update with no configuration required by administrators.
Microsoft Summary
Outlook will allow users to insert symbols into emails via the Insert tab, rolling out worldwide from October to December 2026. No admin action is needed, but users should be informed, and training materials updated. This affects new Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and Exchange Online.
- Message Center ID
- MC1479513
- Category
- plan For Change
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- Exchange Online
- Tags
- Feature update, User impact
- Published
- 2026-09-25
- Last updated
- 2026-09-25
- Expires
- 2027-01-18
[What and Why:] A variety of symbols can be added to an email message that you are composing. On the Insert tab, select Symbols. [Rollout Schedule:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026. Targeted Release (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid October 2026 and expect to complete by early November 2026. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026. General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026. General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out on late November 2026 and expect to complete by late December 2026. [Impact on Your Organization:] Who is affected: Users composing emails in new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. Help desk and training teams that support Outlook message composition experiences. Platforms/Services: Exchange Online. New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. What will happen: Users will be able to insert symbols into email messages from the Insert tab. This adds a built-in way to include special characters and symbols while composing messages. The capability will roll out automatically during the scheduled rollout window. [Action Required/Recommendations:] No admin action is required. Inform users that symbols can be inserted from the Insert tab when composing email. Update internal Outlook training or help desk guidance if it references how users add special characters to messages. [Compliance considerations:] No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.