Microsoft has rolled out a series of improvements to the Exchange Online message recall feature, aimed at enhancing its usability. The changes include optional recall notifications, customizable limits on how old recalled messages can be, and expanded support for messages sent through external routes.
Optional Recall Notifications
A notable addition is the ability for administrators to set up optional recall notifications for recipients. Previously, recalled messages would be removed from mailboxes without notice, often causing confusion. Now, users can be notified when a message is recalled, either universally or for specific scenarios where the message has already been accessed.
Administrators now have the flexibility to define the maximum age of a recallable message. By default, messages can be recalled within a 365-day window. The setting, however, can now be tweaked, allowing a range from as short as 5 minutes to as long as 10 years. This change provides administrators with more control over recalling older messages.
Support for External Message Routing
The recall feature now accommodates messages that are externally routed, which was not possible before. The enhancement is particularly helpful for administrators using third-party or on-premise systems for additional email processing. Now, recalling messages that leave and re-enter Exchange Online within the same tenant is feasible.
These new features are now available globally across all Exchange Online tenants. Administrators can make the necessary configurations via the Exchange admin center or PowerShell. Microsoft encourages feedback from users to refine these features further.
Since the cloud-based Message Recall was introduced for Outlook on Windows in April 2023, Microsoft has consistently been adding functionality. The updates include enabling support for Outlook on the Web and improving recall capabilities for shared mailboxes. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance Exchange Online, aiming to provide a more effective email management experience.
