HowTo-Outlook

With a delay of a few days, Microsoft released the July feature update of Outlook for Microsoft 365 Apps in the Current Channel.

It comes with 2 new features for Outlook and 3 highlighted fixes.

• Use suggested replies in Outlook
  When you receive an email message that can be answered by a short response, Outlook can suggest three responses you can use to reply with just a couple of clicks.
  • Suggested Replies can be turned off via; File-> Options-> Mail-> section: Replies and Forwards-> toggle option: Show suggested replies
• Dictation toolbar redesigned for efficiency, cleaner look
  The Office dictation toolbar has been redesigned, featuring new visuals, a more responsive user interface, and a smaller size to stay out of the way of what matters—your content!
• We fixed an issue that caused users to see the Journal module in their left rail navigation bar.
• We fixed an issue that caused Exchange 2019 users to see Outlook to fail to display the reply indicator icon on messages in search results.
• We fixed an issue where an Outlook message would flash with a white background while zooming in or out.

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook or the Microsoft Store and updates Outlook to: Version 2207 (Build 15427.20194).

The June security and rollup update has been made available for all Click-to-Run installations of Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2021 and Outlook as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

It contains 2 security updates for generic Office components.

In addition, it contains 2 documented non-security fixes related to Outlook Current Version 2206, 2 new features and 10 fixes for Monthly Enterprise Version 2205, 2 fixes for Semi-Annual Preview Version 2202. Most notable fixes are;

• Version 2206, 2205 and 2202
  • We fixed an issue that prevented the Room Finder from loading in the GCC-High environment.
• Version 2206 and 2205
  • We fixed an issue where users were not able to add room mailboxes to the calendar.
• Version 2205
  • We fixed an issue that caused “No response required” to show on all forwarded meeting invites for delegates of room mailboxes when the Shared Calendar Improvements feature is enabled.
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to see multiple copies of a shared calendar rendered in certain circumstances.

The new features in Monthly Enterprise Version 2205 are;

• Org Explorer
  Visualize and explore your company’s internal structure, work teams, and individual roles.
• Find events on your calendar faster than ever
  Improvements to the Calendar search means it’s faster and easier to find events, such as the next occurrence of a series.

Version 2202 has now also been released to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel and contains 10 highlighted new features and 57 fixes which have been made available already to the other release channels. Some notable new features are;

• Last Sign In / Suspicious Sign In
  Outlook now tells you when and where you last signed into your account, and alerts you if any suspicious sign-in activity is detected
• Microsoft Search powered compose (To\CC\BCC) suggestions
  Adding people to the To\CC line is now powered by Microsoft Search.
• Expanded GAL people suggestions for mail and calendar compose
  Outlook will now return results from the complete GAL when suggesting people for email and calendar compose.
• Turn on shared calendar improvements
  For shared calendars in Office 365, Outlook can update these calendars using the REST API. Turn on the preview for faster and more reliable updates to shared calendars.

Based on your release channel, you’ll be updated to the following version;

• Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook 2016 Retail, Outlook 2019 Retail, Outlook 2021 Retail
  Version 2206 (Build 15330.20246)
• Monthly Enterprise
  Version 2205 (Build 15225.20356)
  Version 2204 (Build 15128.20312)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise (Preview)
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20604)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20604)
  Version 2108 (Build 14326.21062)
  Version 2102 (Build 13801.21528) 
• Outlook LTSC 2021
  Version 2108 (Build 14332.20345)
• Outlook 2019 Volume Licensed
  Version 1808 (Build 10388.20027)

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook itself or the Microsoft Store. This update does not apply to msi-based installations of Office 2016.

Microsoft released the June feature update of Outlook for Microsoft 365 Apps in the Current Channel.

It is a bit of a meager update this month as it doesn’t come with any new features for Outlook and there are only 2 highlighted fixes.

• We fixed an issue that prevented the Room Finder from loading in the GCC-High environment.
• We fixed an issue where users were not able to add room mailboxes to the calendar.

There is a neat small new feature in Excel though which I like to promote;

• Copy data from the status bar
  Quickly copy information from aggregations like “Sum,” “Average,” and “Count” from the status bar.

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook or the Microsoft Store and updates Outlook to: Version 2206 (Build 15330.20196).

The June security and rollup update has been made available for all Click-to-Run installations of Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2021 and Outlook as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

It contains 1 security update for generic Office components.

In addition, it contains 5 documented non-security fixes related to Outlook Current Version 2205, 12 fixes for Monthly Enterprise Version 2204, 1 fix for Monthly Enterprise Version 2203, 8 fixes for Semi-Annual Preview Version 2202, and 2 fixes for Semi-Annual Version 2108. Most notable fixes are;

• 2205
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to experience a close unexpectedly when opening an Online Archive or Shared Mailbox.
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to see multiple copies of a shared calendar rendered in certain circumstances.
• 2204, 2203, 2202, 2108
  • We fixed an issue where the app closed unexpectedly when replying or forwarding an email while an Event-Based Add-In is running in the background.
• 2204
  • We fixed an issue where calendars not selected in the navigation pane when using “Open Shared Calendar.”
  • We fixed an issue that caused Outlook to close unexpectedly during launch when connected to a OneDrive for Business endpoint with no service URL.
  • We fixed an issue that caused EU users to see information missing from person cards.
• 2108
  • We fixed an issue where a meeting, after it was autosaved, would be sent to attendees but not saved on the organizer’s calendar.

Based on your release channel, you’ll be updated to the following version;

• Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook 2016 Retail, Outlook 2019 Retail, Outlook 2021 Retail
  Version 2205 (Build 15225.20288)
• Monthly Enterprise
  Version 2204 (Build 15128.20280)
  Version 2203 (Build 15028.20282)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise (Preview)
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20494)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise
  Version 2108 (Build 14326.21018)
  Version 2102 (Build 13801.21418) 
• Outlook LTSC 2021
  Version 2108 (Build 14332.20324)
• Outlook 2019 Volume Licensed
  Version 1808 (Build 10387.20023)

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook itself or the Microsoft Store. This update does not apply to msi-based installations of Office 2016.

Microsoft released the May feature update of Outlook for Microsoft 365 Apps in the Current Channel.

It comes with 1 new feature for Outlook and 5 highlighted fixes.

• Read Aloud just got better
  The new Read Aloud Toolbar features new, natural sounding voice options.
• We fixed an issue that caused users to see the error “Cannot perform the requested operation…” when attempting to expand a local contact group.
• We fixed an issue that caused delegates to be unable to open a shared contacts folder despite having the correct permissions.
• We fixed an issue that caused “No response required” to show on all forwarded meeting invites for delegates of room mailboxes when the Shared Calendar Improvements feature is enabled.
• We fixed an issue where calendars not selected in the navigation pane when using “Open Shared Calendar.”
• We fixed an unexpected stop responding in Office rendering code.

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook or the Microsoft Store and updates Outlook to: Version 2205 (Build 15225.20204).

The May security and rollup update has been made available for all Click-to-Run installations of Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2021 and Outlook as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

It contains 2 security updates for Excel (1) and Office (1).

In addition, it contains 1 documented non-security fix related to Outlook Current Version 2204, 1 new feature and 9 fixes for Monthly Enterprise Version 2203, 4 fixes for Semi-Annual Preview Version 2202, and 5 fixes for Semi-Annual Version 2108. Most notable fixes are;

• Version 2204
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to see “No response required” specified on all meeting invites forwarded from delegated room mailboxes.
• Version 2203
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to see only a subset of the messages to get moved when moving multiple mail items from Focused to Other or Other to Focused.
  • We fixed an issue that caused shared calendars to be in an unselected state after adding them.
• Version 2203, 2202, and 2108
  • We fixed an issue that prevented Outlook Event-Based Add-Ins from functioning properly. (Access)
• Version 2203 and 2108
  • We fixed an issue that caused EU users to see information missing from person cards.
• Version 2202
  • We fixed an issue where a meeting, after it was autosaved, would be sent to attendees but not saved on the organizer’s calendar.
• Version 2108
  • We fixed a scrolling performance issue with documents with a large number of merge fields. (Word)
  • We fixed an issue where Outlook may stop responding scrolling through an email message. (Word)
  • We fixed an issue in the Outlook preview pane to allow SVG images to render properly. (Office)

The new features in Monthly Enterprise Version 2203 is;

• Save time while composing messages
  Outlook shows you writing suggestions that help you compose messages quickly. To accept the suggestion, just use the Tab key.

Based on your release channel, you’ll be updated to the following version;

• Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook 2016 Retail, Outlook 2019 Retail, Outlook 2021 Retail
  Version 2204 (Build 15128.2022)
• Monthly Enterprise
  Version 2203 (Build 15028.20248)
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20392)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise (Preview)
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20392)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise
  Version 2108 (Build 14326.20962)
  Version 2102 (Build 13801.21334) 
• Outlook LTSC 2021
  Version 2108 (Build 14332.20303)
• Outlook 2019 Volume Licensed
  Version 1808 (Build 10386.20017)

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook itself or the Microsoft Store. This update does not apply to msi-based installations of Office 2016.

Security updates have been released for Exchange 2013, Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019.

The updates fix the following vulnerability;

• CVE-2022-21978: Microsoft Exchange Server Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

The vulnerability is currently not publicly disclosed nor being exploited. The exploitability assessment is regarded as “Exploitation Less Likely”. However, it is still important to update as soon as possible.

After applying the update, it is required to run /PrepareAllDomains once in your environment as well or otherwise you’d still not be protected from the vulnerability.

Also note that all Security Updates are now released as .exe files instead of .msp files. The main reason for this is to ensure that the installation runs with the required permissions and preventing that your Exchange installations ends up in a bad state. The .msp file can still be extracted from the .exe file or obtained via the Microsoft Update Catalog by extracting the .cab file.

View: Exchange Blog: Released: May 2022 Exchange Server Security Updates
View: Description of the security update for Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 and 2019: May 10, 2022 (KB5014261)
View: Description of the security update for Microsoft Exchange Server 2013: May 10, 2022 (KB5014260)

Download: Security Update for Exchange 2019 CU11 and CU12
Download: Security Update for Exchange 2016 CU22 and CU23
Download: Security Update for Exchange 2013 CU23

Microsoft released the April feature update of Outlook for Microsoft 365 Apps in the Current Channel (previously known as the Office 365 Monthly Channel).

There are no new features this time but it does include 6 highlighted fixes of which 2 apply to Outlook’s integration with Access.

• We fixed an issue that caused Outlook to close unexpectedly during launch when connected to a OneDrive for Business endpoint with no service URL.
• We fixed an issue that caused EU users to see information missing from person cards.
• We fixed an issue that caused users to experience a close unexpectedly when trying to respond to certain contacts.
• We fixed an issue that caused users to experience a close unexpectedly when deleting a folder.
• We fixed an issue that prevented Outlook Event-Based Add-Ins from functioning properly. (Access)
• This change helps users find the correct settings for managing the default online meeting options for third party meeting providers. (Access)

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook or the Microsoft Store and updates Outlook to: Version 2204 (Build 15128.20178).

Cumulative Update 12 for Exchange 2019 is now available as well as Cumulative Update 23 for Exchange 2016.

With these releases there major changes to the release model of future CUs.

First of all, the is the last CU for Exchange 2016 as it has reached its Extended Support phase. This means that from now on, it will only received Security Updates.

Second, Exchange 2019 CU releases have shifted to a cadence of 2 times per year. These are targeted for March and September but as they are quality driven, their actual release could be off by a month if needed.

Exchange 2019 CU12 also includes the following major changes;

• Exchange Management Tools Update
  When you’ve only installed Exchange on-premises to manage all your Exchange Online mailboxes for your Synced Active Directory users, you can now install the updated Management Tools on a domain-joined workstation, shutdown your last Exchange server, and manage your recipients via PowerShell.
• Hybrid Experience Updates
  • Licensing has been updated to add a product key for Exchange 2019 hybrid servers at no additional charge.
  • Support has been added for using MFA-enabled admin credentials with Hybrid Agent cmdlets. The Hybrid Management PowerShell module now works with MFA-enabled admin accounts.
• Support for Windows Server 2022
  CU12 also introduces support for running Exchange Server 2019 on Windows Server 2022 and in environments that use Windows Server 2022 Active Directory servers. For more information see the Exchange Server supportability matrix.

Additionally, for both Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019, parameters that take UNC paths as inputs will no longer be usable in Exchange Server PowerShell cmdlets or the Exchange Admin Center. For more info and the newly supported methods see; Changes in Exchange Server PowerShell cmdlets and Exchange Admin Center for UNC path inputs (KB5014278).

This release does not include new updates to the Active Directory Schema for Exchange 2019 nor Exchange 2016.

As mentioned before, the next planned Cumulative Update for Exchange 2019 is in September 2022. Exchange 2016 is not expected to receive any new CUs anymore.

Exchange 2019: CU12 KB5011156 – Download
Exchange 2016: CU23 KB5011155 – Download – UM Language Packs
View: Blog post of the Exchange Team about CU12 for Exchange Server 2019 and CU 23 for Exchange 2016.

A new rollup update has been made available for all Click-to-Run installations of Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2021 and Outlook as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

It contains 2 security updates for Excel.

In addition, it contains 1 documented non-security fix for Outlook Current Version 2203, 17 fixes for Monthly Enterprise Version 2202, 9 fixes for Semi-Annual Preview Version 2202, 1 fix for Semi-Annual Version 2108, and 1 fix for Semi-Annual Version 2102.

Some notable fixes are;

• Version 2203
  • We fixed an issue that caused the “Move to Other” functionality to stop working properly.
• Version 2202
  • We fixed an issue that caused the membership list to not display properly for contact cards.
  • We fixed an issue that caused users to experience performance issues when switching folders due to a corrupt view setting.
  • We fixed an issue that caused some toggle-type options to sync incorrectly when using Cloud Settings.
  • We fixed an issue displaying some SVG files.
  • We fixed an issue where removed shared calendars reappeared when the REST shared calendar feature was enabled.
  • We fixed an issue that caused shared calendars to be in an unselected state after adding them.
• Version 2202 and Version 2108
  • We fixed an issue where a received email would not include a link to open the message.
• Version 2202 and Version 2102
  • A data change was made to include a new United Kingdom holiday in UK-based calendars.

Based on your release channel, you’ll be updated to the following version;

• Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook 2016 Retail, Outlook 2019 Retail, Outlook 2021 Retail
  Version 2203 (Build 15028.20204)
• Monthly Enterprise
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20274)
  Version 2201 (Build 14827.20246)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise (Preview)
  Version 2202 (Build 14931.20274)
• Semi-Annual Enterprise
  Version 2108 (Build 14326.20910)
  Version 2102 (Build 13801.21278) 
• Outlook LTSC 2021
  Version 2108 (Build 14332.20281)
• Outlook 2019 Volume Licensed
  Version 1808 (Build 10385.20027)

Note: Depending on your installation type, this update can be installed via the Update Now button in Outlook itself or the Microsoft Store. This update does not apply to msi-based installations of Office 2016.