478648 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Pronoun Awareness in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Microsoft 365 Copilot will soon use pronouns from user profiles when responding, creating a more personalized interaction for users.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-02-05

updated:
2025-09-06

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Degradation
If the pronoun awareness feature is implemented without proper user profile updates, users may receive incorrect pronouns in responses, leading to confusion and frustration.
   - roles: End Users, Customer Support Representatives
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-with-pronoun-awareness/

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of pronoun awareness without adequate preparation may lead to an influx of support tickets from users experiencing issues with incorrect pronoun usage, impacting support team workload.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-with-pronoun-awareness/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 Copilot is introducing a new feature that enhances personalization by using pronouns from user profiles. This means that when Copilot interacts with users, it will incorporate the pronouns specified in their profiles, creating a more tailored and respectful communication experience.

Think of it like a personal assistant who knows your preferences. Just as you might appreciate when someone remembers your favorite coffee order, using the correct pronouns can make interactions feel more considerate and personalized. This feature aims to make digital communication more inclusive and reflective of individual identities.

For instance, if you have specified "they/them" pronouns in your profile, Copilot will use these pronouns when referring to you in its responses. This approach is similar to how a well-trained customer service representative might address you by your preferred name and title, ensuring that the interaction feels more personal and attentive.

This update is part of a broader effort to make technology more adaptive to individual needs and preferences, much like how smartphones can learn your habits and suggest apps or settings based on your usage patterns. By integrating pronoun awareness, Microsoft 365 Copilot is taking a step towards more human-like interactions, where users feel recognized and respected in their digital environments.