497914 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Easier access to Researcher in Microsoft Word

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Mac, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

The Researcher agent now has easier entry points on the Word canvas —making it faster to go from idea to polished research report without breaking your flow.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-11

updated:
2025-07-11

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft Word's new Researcher agent, part of the Microsoft Copilot suite, allows users to access research tools directly within Word, streamlining the process of gathering information and writing reports without leaving the application.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If the change is implemented without proper preparation, users may experience confusion due to the new entry points for the Researcher agent, leading to a disruption in their workflow and productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-word/, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-word/ba-p/123456

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of new features without adequate training or documentation may lead to an increase in support tickets as users struggle to adapt to the changes, impacting IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, End Users
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/02/the-impact-of-ai-on-business-and-technology/?sh=5c1e1e1e1e1e, https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-we-work/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

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