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How to Request a Mandatory Ticket Reference Field in Microsoft Message Trace

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to require a mandatory free-text ticket reference field when performing searches and generating audit reports in Microsoft Message Trace.

Product: Microsoft Message Trace
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Performing administrative message trace searches and generating compliance audit reports.
Observed behavior: Currently, there is no mandatory field to input a ticket reference for these searches, requiring a formal feature request to Microsoft.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active Microsoft account and access to the Microsoft 365 admin center or the specific application where you intend to submit your feedback.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit a Feature Request via the Microsoft Feedback Portal

The most direct way to request new features like a mandatory ticket reference field is through Microsoft's dedicated feedback platform.

Navigate to the Feedback Portal

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Feedback portal.

Sign In

Search for the Product

Use the search bar to look for 'Message Trace' or 'Exchange Online' to find the relevant product category.

Submit Your Feedback

Click on 'Send feedback' or 'Provide feedback', clearly describe your need for a mandatory free-text ticket reference field for audit reporting, and submit the request.

Community Moderator Limitations: Community moderators on forums cannot directly change the product or guarantee that your requested feature will be implemented by the development team.

Solution 2

Use the In-App Help and Feedback Option

You can also submit feature requests directly from within certain Microsoft 365 applications or admin centers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can community moderators add the ticket reference field to Message Trace?

No, community moderators do not have the ability to change product features or guarantee implementations. You must submit a formal feedback request to the Microsoft development team.

What is Microsoft Message Trace used for?

Message trace in the Microsoft 365 admin center follows email messages as they travel through your Exchange Online organization. It is primarily used for troubleshooting mail flow and generating audit reports.

Is the Microsoft Feedback portal free to use?

Yes, the Microsoft Feedback portal is completely free. You only need to log in with your Microsoft account to submit new feature requests or upvote existing ones.

How long does it take for Microsoft to implement a requested feature?

There is no guaranteed timeline. Microsoft prioritizes feature requests based on community upvotes, overall demand, and internal development roadmaps.

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