M365 Message Center Digest: Microsoft 365 updates - January 29, 2026

Quick update for admins: Microsoft released a new build for Microsoft 365 Apps on the Current Channel. This digest explains what changed, who sees it, and practical next steps to validate and deploy.

At a glance

• MC1223294 - Microsoft 365 Apps Current Channel update rolling out starting January 27, 2026 (PST); auto-updating clients need no action, managed deployments should pull and stage the update.

MC1223294 - Updates available for Microsoft 365 Apps for Current Channel

What is changing

• A new Current Channel update for Microsoft 365 Apps is being released. Rollout begins January 27, 2026 (PST) and will be gradually deployed through February 11, 2026.
• Release details and specific version notes are available in the release notes linked below.

Who is affected

• Users on the Current Channel for Microsoft 365 Apps.
• Admins who manage updates directly (ConfigMgr, Intune, manual package distribution) rather than relying on automatic CDN updates.

What to do

1. Confirm update scope
   • Identify devices on Current Channel using your inventory tool (ConfigMgr, Intune reports, or endpoint management telemetry).
2. Decide deployment method
   • If devices are set to auto-update from the Office CDN, no action is required.
   • If you control updates, download the update or package it for your deployment tool and schedule rollout.
3. Test and stage
   • Apply the update to a pilot group first. Validate core macros, add-ins, and document collaboration scenarios.
4. Deploy
   • Use ConfigMgr, Intune, or your existing distribution method to target rings. Stagger rollout to catch regressions early.
5. Verify and monitor
   • Monitor update success and application health via telemetry and update compliance dashboards.
   • Be prepared to roll back or block the update for affected groups if issues are detected.

Resources

• Current Channel release notes (version 2601, January 27)
• Office update documentation

Digest created/updated on January 29, 2026

_{This is an independent summary of Microsoft 365 Message Center updates and not an official Microsoft communication. Readers are responsible for any actions taken in their environments.}