543241 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): [Copilot Chat] Agent mode in Word enables conversational support to create, edit and refine document content from chat

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Available for M365 users without a M365 Copilot license. From Chat, you can use natural language to generate and direct edits to new and existing documents, when in an Edit mode. In this mode, Copilot will ask clarifying questions if needed, and after making changes will recap actions take and recommended next steps. Changes to the document are supported with controls in the document canvas to review changes made.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
Current Channel, General Availability

Created:
2025-12-20

updated:
2025-12-20

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Degradation
If the Copilot feature is implemented without proper training or user preparation, users may experience confusion and frustration due to unexpected changes in document editing processes, leading to decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/03/20/what-is-microsoft-365-copilot-and-how-will-it-change-the-way-we-work/

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of Copilot without adequate preparation may lead to a surge in support requests as users encounter issues or misunderstandings about the new features, overwhelming IT support teams.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
   - references: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-365-copilot-is-here-but-its-not-perfect, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-365-copilot-what-you-need-to-know/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you have a very helpful assistant who sits next to you while you work on a document. This assistant is there to listen to your instructions and help you write, edit, and refine your content just by having a conversation with you. This is similar to what Microsoft Copilot's new feature in Word does.

With the Copilot Chat Agent mode, you can talk to Word like you would talk to a colleague. You can ask it to make changes to your document, create new content, or refine what's already there. For example, if you're drafting a contract and you want to add a clause, you can simply tell Copilot what you need, and it will draft it for you. If you're unsure about the wording, you can ask Copilot to suggest alternatives.

This feature is available to Microsoft 365 users even if they don't have a specific Copilot license. It's like having access to a shared office assistant who helps everyone, not just those with special privileges.

In practical terms, when you're in Edit mode, Copilot can ask you questions to clarify what you want. For instance, if you say, "Add a section about data privacy," Copilot might ask, "Do you want this section at the beginning or the end of the document?" After making changes, it will summarize what it did and suggest what you might want to do next, like reviewing the changes or considering additional edits.

Think of it like a GPS for your document creation. Just as a GPS guides you to your destination by asking for your input and offering suggestions along the way, Copilot guides you through the process of document creation and editing, ensuring you reach your desired outcome efficiently.

This tool is designed to make document management more intuitive and interactive, much like having a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague who knows exactly how to get things done in Word.