Microsoft will retire Featured Links on the SharePoint start page and in the SharePoint mobile app due to low adoption. This change should streamline the SharePoint experience and reduce complexity for both admins and users. Alternative solutions are available in SharePoint and Viva Connections.
Timeline
The retirement is scheduled between March and June 2026.
How does this affect your organization?
SharePoint admins can currently add Featured Links to the SharePoint start page. These links are shown to all users on the SharePoint start page and in the SharePoint mobile app.
These Featured Links will be removed.
SharePoint admins will no longer be able to create, edit, update, or access them. Organizations should inventory existing Featured Links and identify their owners and usage before they’re removed.
To replace this functionality, organizations should use one of the following alternatives:
- SharePoint global navigation (SharePoint app bar)
The SharePoint global navigation delivers a consistent, permission-trimmed experience across SharePoint. It enables centralized management, stays aligned with your home site, and provides users with reliable access to key content.
- Viva Connections
Curate resource links in Viva Connections to highlight key tools and content in Microsoft Teams on desktop and mobile. You can also apply audience targeting to target these links to specific user groups.
