Microsoft Loop: Do you need to switch?

What is Microsoft Loop all about?

In this IT Soho guide, we'll walk you through Microsoft's new collaborative app and help you establish where and when to implement it into your M365 suite.

What is Microsoft Loop?

Originally announced on 2 November 2021, Microsoft Loop was launched in November 2023 as a productivity app that helps teams stay organised and connected. 

It is designed to combine conversations, tasks, and content in one place, making it easier to collaborate with colleagues and stay on top of your work.

In appearance, it looks very similar to Notion. In each workspace, you can create project boards and pages, building out what you need as you need it.

The software is tailored to import files from 365 apps like Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel. This allows you to seamlessly move between conversations and work without switching between different apps. Plus, everything syncs, so you have real-time information no matter your device and which app you are accessing your files from.

In addition, Microsoft Loop integrates with Power Automate, which enables users to automate tasks and streamline their workflow. This is a significant step towards Microsoft's ethos that we should, "Do more with less."

Getting Started with Microsoft Loop

To use Loop, you will need a Business Standard or Premium M365 plan (here's our comparison of the two). Once you have that, launching Loop is easy, as the icon should be visible in your 365 menu.

When you open the app, you will find that the Loop interface has been designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive options for navigation and workflow.

You will be presented with a dashboard that gives you an overview of all your Loops. From here, you can create a new Loop or access an existing one.

Think of a "Loop" as a new project.

To create a new Loop, click the "New Loop" button on the dashboard. You will be prompted to give your Loop a name and add participants. Once you have done this, your new Loop is created, and you can start adding components (files, emails, or other app snippets) and collaborating with your team.

How is Microsoft Loop different from OneNote?

Microsoft OneNote, primarily a note-taking application, is Loop's predecessor. It was explicitly designed for taking meeting or project notes and adding tables, images, audio, links, or outsourced elements via the Microsoft add-on store.

Since its inception, how we work has dramatically changed, and it has become evident that updating it is not an option. Loop is the new kid on the block.

Loop's design is several iterations from OneNote in its abilities, giving it a broader commercial use and pitting it against the most prominent third-party project management software. The beauty of Loop is that you have everything in one place - Microsoft 365.

Is Microsoft Loop free?

Loop is free for Micorosft 365 accounts on the Bussiness Standard or Premium plans.

However, Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant (a ChatGPT rival), can be used with Loop and is charged at an add-on rate of £24.70 per month per user (plus VAT) or £296.40 per user per year plus VAT (Annual commitment).

Do you need Microsoft Loop for your business?

The first question you will ask is, "Do I need to spend time switching from my current project management software to Loop?" We understand why you would ask this. 

However, aside from the apparent cost savings, is this new Microsoft tool worth it? The jury is still out on that, and early reviews are mixed. However, this is still an early iteration, and we expect Microsoft to be working on updates as we type.

Loop brings opportunities to those who don't currently have a PM app or use only the basic functionality of PM software. In this case, it is certainly something to experiment with.

If you run a hybrid office, the opportunities Loop could offer could be hugely beneficial if you use M365 integrations with Power Automate and Teams, which will further improve workflows.

If you have a scaled enterprise and heavily rely on PM software, Loop may not have everything you need - yet.

For more Microsoft and IT guides, check out our resources here at IT Soho.