413720 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Meetings search using categories added in Outlook

Product:

Copilot, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

This unblocks customers from searching for meetings specifying the categories they have added in Outlook.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-09-25

updated:
2025-09-26

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Search Functionality Disruption
If the change is implemented without preparation, users may experience disruptions in their ability to search for meetings effectively, leading to confusion and wasted time.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-october-2023/, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-outlook/ba-p/123456

User Training and Adaptation
Users may not be familiar with the new search capabilities, resulting in a steep learning curve and potential frustration if they are not adequately trained beforehand.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-october-2023/, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-outlook/ba-p/123456

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Outlook that allows users to search for meetings by categories they have assigned. This feature is part of Microsoft Copilot, a tool designed to enhance productivity within Microsoft 365 applications. To understand this change, think of your Outlook calendar as a well-organized filing cabinet. Previously, you could only search through this cabinet by looking at the dates or titles of the files (meetings). Now, with the new feature, you can also search by the color-coded tabs (categories) you've added to each file.

Imagine you have a stack of documents on your desk, each related to different projects. You've used colored sticky notes to categorize them: blue for legal matters, green for HR, and yellow for management meetings. If you need to find all the documents related to HR, you simply look for the green sticky notes. Similarly, in Outlook, if you've categorized your meetings, you can now search for all meetings tagged with a specific category, making it easier to find what you need quickly.

This feature is available across various platforms, including Android, iOS, Mac, and the web, ensuring that you can access this functionality no matter where you are or what device you're using. It's like having a universal remote that works with all your devices, allowing you to control your TV, stereo, and DVD player from one place. In this case, the "remote" is the new search capability, and the "devices" are the different platforms you use Outlook on.

By enabling this feature, Microsoft aims to streamline the process of managing and finding meetings, saving you time and effort. This is particularly useful for professionals who juggle multiple projects and need to keep track of various meetings without sifting through their entire calendar.