533043 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Updated UI for Copilot Chat entry point in Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

iOS, Mac, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Links:

Details:

We are updating the entry point user interface for Copilot Chat. The Copilot Chat entry point button will move out of the app ribbon to the app canvas to help with discoverability and use within the context of the file. This update will apply to Microsoft 365 users of Word, Excel and PowerPoint who are eligible for Copilot Chat across web, mobile and desktop.

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

Created:
2025-11-22

updated:
2025-12-06

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 relocation of the Copilot Chat entry point may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous location in the app ribbon, leading to a temporary decrease in productivity as users adapt to the new layout.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3731230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Training and Support Needs
Users may require additional training to effectively utilize the new Copilot Chat interface, resulting in increased support requests and potential delays in task completion.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/02/microsoft-copilot-what-it-is-and-how-it-works/

Integration Issues
The change in UI may lead to temporary integration issues with existing workflows or third-party applications that rely on the previous UI structure, causing disruptions in user experience.
   - roles: End Users, Application Developers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3731230, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-copilot-what-you-need-to-know/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience through Contextual Access
By moving the Copilot Chat entry point to the app canvas, users can access it more intuitively while working on their documents. This contextual placement can lead to increased usage of Copilot features, enhancing overall productivity and user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Conduct user testing to gather feedback on the new UI placement and make iterative improvements based on user input. Monitor usage analytics post-implementation to measure impact on user engagement with Copilot features.
   - roles: Product Managers, UX Designers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/02/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-office-apps/

Improved Collaboration Features
The updated UI for Copilot Chat can facilitate better collaboration among team members by allowing them to easily share insights and suggestions within the context of their work. This can lead to more effective teamwork and faster decision-making processes.
   - next-steps: Implement collaborative workshops to demonstrate the new features and gather feedback on how they can enhance team workflows. Create training materials to help users understand how to leverage Copilot for collaboration.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, Collaboration Specialists
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-office-apps/ba-p/3772146

Streamlined IT Support and Training Needs
With the new UI, IT support teams can create targeted training sessions and resources that focus specifically on the updated Copilot features, reducing the time spent on general troubleshooting and increasing user proficiency.
   - next-steps: Develop a training program that includes tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides tailored to the new Copilot Chat interface. Schedule regular training sessions to ensure all users are familiar with the updates.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Training Managers, Knowledge Base Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/02/introducing-microsoft-copilot-in-office-apps/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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