516570 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): [Copilot Chat] Updated UI for Microsoft Copilot Navigation Pane in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Teams

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, OneNote, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

We’re refreshing the Copilot Chat navigation pane to simplify the agents list and increase the visible chat history list beyond a user's five most recent chats with a more prominent chat history search UI.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-11-17

updated:
2025-12-24

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**

User Interface Changes
The updated UI may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous layout, leading to a temporary decrease in productivity as they adapt to the new navigation pane.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-october-2023/

Increased Chat History
The increase in visible chat history may lead to information overload for users, making it harder to find relevant conversations quickly, potentially impacting decision-making processes.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-october-2023/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is updating the navigation pane for Copilot Chat in several of its popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Teams. Imagine the navigation pane as a bookshelf where you store all your conversations. Previously, this bookshelf only displayed your five most recent books (or chats), making it a bit challenging to find older ones. Now, Microsoft is expanding this bookshelf, allowing you to see more of your chat history at a glance.

Additionally, they're making it easier to search through these chats with a more noticeable search feature. Think of it like adding a magnifying glass to your bookshelf, so you can quickly find the exact book (or chat) you're looking for without having to sift through each one manually.

This change is designed to streamline how you interact with Copilot Chat, making it more efficient to access past conversations and manage your ongoing chats. Whether you're using these tools on your desktop or the web, the updated interface aims to enhance your experience by providing a clearer view of your communication history.