M365 Changelog: Recommended Files in Office: Excel for Microsoft 365, Word for Microsoft 365, PowerPoint for Microsoft 365

MC255074 – Updated October 14, 2021: Microsoft has updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.

Microsoft Office displays a list of recommended files on the File tab, or start page, of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on Windows. This list allows you to keep track of work around you and quickly access files with activity you value most such as edits, mentions, comments by people you interact with.

This feature uses machine learning to predict which files you’re most likely to want to work on next and presents those as a set of cards you can choose from. Only files that you have access to in OneDrive or SharePoint are suggested.

Recommended files in Office has been available on Office.com and Office for Mac and is now coming to Office on Windows.

Note: This feature is currently available on Windows to Office Insiders on business or enterprise subscriptions.

Key points:

• Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 72233
• Timing: begin rolling out in early June and complete by end of December (previously mid-September).
• Action: review and assess impact for your organization.

How this will affect your organization:

Recommended for you allows you to keep track of work around you and choose files with activity that matters most to you. On the home page in PowerPoint, Excel and Word you will see files recommended for you.

Each card shows the name of the file and who made changes or shared it and why it was recommended like @mentions, recent edits or comments.

What you need to do to prepare:

You may consider updating your training and documentation as appropriate.

Review the Additional Information for more details about Recommended files in Office.Additional information