check before: 2025-05-15
Product:
Copilot, Defender, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Loop, SharePoint, Windows
Platform:
mobile, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot app's Wave 2 Spring release updates for unlicensed users include a refreshed navigation pane, simplified Copilot Chat experience, and an Agent Store. The rollout begins mid-May 2025 for targeted release and late May 2025 for general availability. No admin action is required, but user notification and documentation updates are recommended.
Details:
Update May 8, 2025: Additional information has been added to the "2. Upgrade Copilot" section of this communication for clarity.
We are excited to introduce Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 Spring release updates to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app-the starting place for AI at work. Designed for the new AI-first way of working, these updates for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) include:
Refreshed navigation pane: Easily navigate between modules using a simplified UI.
Simplified Copilot Chat experience: Quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, and agents, with collapsible navigation pane.
Agent Store: Easily find, pin, and use a range of agents.
These updates will provide a more streamlined and productive experience, helping to ensure that users have the tools they need to use AI effectively at work. Learn more about this announcement: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 490155
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Web, Windows): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.
General Availability (Web, mobile, Windows): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-04-24
updated:
2025-05-09
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft is updating the Microsoft 365 Copilot app with a refreshed navigation pane, simplified chat experience, an Agent Store for virtual assistants, and optimized mobile navigation to enhance productivity for users without a Copilot license.
Direct effects for Operations**
Refreshed Navigation Pane
Users may struggle to adapt to the new navigation layout, leading to confusion and decreased productivity during the transition period.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
Simplified Copilot Chat Experience
Changes in the chat interface may disrupt users' workflows, causing frustration and potential delays in communication.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
Agent Store Introduction
Users may not be aware of the new Agent Store, leading to underutilization of available tools and resources, impacting efficiency.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
Notebooks Module Visibility
Users will see the Notebooks module but will be unable to access it without a license, potentially leading to frustration and confusion.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
Search Module Replacement
The replacement of the Home module with Search may lead to initial difficulties in finding files, impacting user experience and productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience through Simplified Navigation
The refreshed navigation pane allows users to quickly access essential modules, improving their workflow and reducing the time spent navigating the application. This streamlined experience can significantly enhance productivity, especially for roles that rely heavily on quick access to tools and information, such as project managers and team leads.
- next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize staff with the new navigation features and gather feedback for further enhancements. Monitor usage analytics to assess the impact on productivity.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leads, Administrative Staff
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage
Increased Adoption of AI Tools via Agent Store
The introduction of the Agent Store enables users to easily find and utilize various agents, promoting the adoption of AI tools within the organization. This can empower roles such as data analysts and marketing teams to leverage AI for better insights and campaign effectiveness.
- next-steps: Create a communication plan to inform users about the Agent Store and its benefits. Consider hosting a demo session showcasing how to utilize agents effectively.
- roles: Data Analysts, Marketing Teams, Sales Representatives
- references: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Streamlined License Management for Enhanced Accessibility
The new self-service purchase and license request features will streamline the process for users to obtain Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses, ensuring that team members have the tools they need without delays. This is particularly beneficial for HR and IT departments that manage user access and software deployment.
- next-steps: Update the licensing policy documentation and train admins on managing requests and purchases. Regularly review license allocation to optimize usage and reduce waste.
- roles: HR Managers, IT Administrators, Finance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490155
Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-05-09 | MC Messages | We are excited to introduce Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 Spring release updates to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app-the starting place for AI at work. Designed for the new AI-first way of working, these updates for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) include:
Refreshed navigation pane: Easily navigate between modules using a simplified UI. Simplified Copilot Chat experience: Quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, and agents, with collapsible navigation pane. Agent Store: Easily find, pin, and use a range of agents. These updates will provide a more streamlined and productive experience, helping to ensure that users have the tools they need to use AI effectively at work. Learn more about this announcement: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 490155 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Web, Windows): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Web, mobile, Windows): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025. | Update May 8, 2025: Additional information has been added to the "2. Upgrade Copilot" section of this communication for clarity.
We are excited to introduce Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 Spring release updates to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app-the starting place for AI at work. Designed for the new AI-first way of working, these updates for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) include: Refreshed navigation pane: Easily navigate between modules using a simplified UI. Simplified Copilot Chat experience: Quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, and agents, with collapsible navigation pane. Agent Store: Easily find, pin, and use a range of agents. These updates will provide a more streamlined and productive experience, helping to ensure that users have the tools they need to use AI effectively at work. Learn more about this announcement: https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 490155 [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Web, Windows): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025. General Availability (Web, mobile, Windows): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025. |
| 2025-05-09 | MC How Affect | Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) will notice the following changes to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
Note: Please refer to MC1060780 for Microsoft 365 Copilot app updates for licensed Microsoft 365 Copilot users. 1. Refreshed Navigation Pane - The Microsoft 365 Copilot app's left navigation pane now provides users with quick access to essential modules such as Search, Chat, Notebooks, Create, and Apps. Users can pin or unpin apps and agents to customize their workspace. Users can also install Microsoft 365 apps to their desktop using the Install button in the Apps module. Notifications for Copilot asynchronous activity will be indicated by toast notifications and bubble icons in the navigation pane. 2. Upgrade Copilot - As communicated in MC1017114, users can also request a Microsoft 365 Copilot license from their admin, or self-service purchase a license, by selecting "Upgrade Copilot" present in the navigation pane. To manage the "Upgrade Copilot" experience, see Manage self-service purchases and trials (for admins). New modules: 3. Notebooks - Notebooks requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Copilot Chat users will see this module in the left navigation pane but if they select it, they will be shown a screen indicating that a license is required, along with additional information on the feature and how to upgrade. Note: The Notebooks module may not be visible in the left navigation pane for all customers. Existing modules: 4. Search - With this update, Search replaces the Home module. Search will have a refreshed experience displaying key files in dedicated sections for easier access and a search bar to help them quickly find what they need. 5. Chat - Chat has been streamlined for a simplified experience with an updated collapsable left navigation pane for quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, agents, and the Agent Store located underneath Chat. Additionally, the input box is moving to the center of the UI with prompt suggestions found below it. Users can also use the Copilot key or Win + C shortcut on Windows 11 devices to open Chat and invoke the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Create - Create will have a refreshed UI that lets users quickly create documents, presentations, and more using templates. Mobile: Below are changes specific to the mobile app experience: Navigation pane - Users will see the Search, Chat, and Create modules pinned to the bottom of the app. Users can access other modules (Pages, Agents, Chats, Apps) through the new navigation hamburger menu in the top left of the UI. Create - The Scan, Extract, and Dictate flows from the Capture module have been merged into the Create module for a one-stop destination for all creation flows in the app. | Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) will notice the following changes to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
Note: Please refer to MC1060780 for Microsoft 365 Copilot app updates for licensed Microsoft 365 Copilot users. 1. Refreshed Navigation Pane - The Microsoft 365 Copilot app's left navigation pane now provides users with quick access to essential modules such as Search, Chat, Notebooks, Create, and Apps. Users can pin or unpin apps and agents to customize their workspace. Users can also install Microsoft 365 apps to their desktop using the Install button in the Apps module. Notifications for Copilot asynchronous activity will be indicated by toast notifications and bubble icons in the navigation pane. 2. Upgrade Copilot - As communicated in MC1017114, users can also request a Microsoft 365 Copilot license from their admin, or self-service purchase a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, within Microsoft 365 apps. In the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, users will be able to do this by selecting "Upgrade Copilot" in the navigation pane. Please refer to MC1017114 for additional details on how to manage license requests or self-service purchase when users interact with the "Upgrade Copilot" button. New modules: 3. Notebooks - Notebooks requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Copilot Chat users will see this module in the left navigation pane but if they select it, they will be shown a screen indicating that a license is required, along with additional information on the feature and how to upgrade. Note: The Notebooks module may not be visible in the left navigation pane for all customers. Existing modules: 4. Search - With this update, Search replaces the Home module. Search will have a refreshed experience displaying key files in dedicated sections for easier access and a search bar to help them quickly find what they need. 5. Chat - Chat has been streamlined for a simplified experience with an updated collapsable left navigation pane for quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, agents, and the Agent Store located underneath Chat. Additionally, the input box is moving to the center of the UI with prompt suggestions found below it. Users can also use the Copilot key or Win + C shortcut on Windows 11 devices to open Chat and invoke the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Create - Create will have a refreshed UI that lets users quickly create documents, presentations, and more using templates. Mobile: Below are changes specific to the mobile app experience: Navigation pane - Users will see the Search, Chat, and Create modules pinned to the bottom of the app. Users can access other modules (Pages, Agents, Chats, Apps) through the new navigation hamburger menu in the top left of the UI. Create - The Scan, Extract, and Dictate flows from the Capture module have been merged into the Create module for a one-stop destination for all creation flows in the app. |
| 2025-05-09 | MC Last Updated | 04/23/2025 19:04:13 | 2025-05-09T00:50:45Z |
| 2025-05-09 | MC prepare | The update to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will occur automatically by the specified dates, requiring no admin action before the rollout. However, it is advisable to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation to ensure a smooth transition.
Admins can manage Microsoft 365 Copilot app scenarios with the following controls: SettingDescriptionDocumentation ChatAdmins can manage access to Copilot Chat, whether it is pinned for users, and web search. Managing Chat: Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | Microsoft Learn AgentsAdmins can manage agents for Copilot in the same way as they manage any other app in the Integrated apps section of the Microsoft 365 admin center. Admins can enable, disable, assign, block, or remove agents for their organization, and manage Copilot capabilities and data privacy.See settings configurations here: Manage agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot in Integrated Apps - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn PagesAbility to manage Copilot Pages, .loop files stored in a user-owned SharePoint Embedded containers, using an admin on/off switch.See settings configurations here: Manage Loop components in your organization | Microsoft Learn Copilot Key and Windows + C shortcutAdmins can map the Copilot key to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.Use policy to map the Copilot key: Policies to manage the Copilot key https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/manage-self-service-purchases-admins?view=o365-worldwide#allow-or-block-self-service-purchases-and-trials https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/loop/loop-components-configuration?view=o365-worldwide https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/manage-windows-copilot#policies-to-manage-the-copilot-key https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490155 | The update to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will occur automatically by the specified dates, requiring no admin action before the rollout. However, it is advisable to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation to ensure a smooth transition.
Admins can manage Microsoft 365 Copilot app scenarios with the following controls: SettingDescriptionDocumentation ChatAdmins can manage access to Copilot Chat, whether it is pinned for users, and web search. Managing Chat: Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | Microsoft Learn AgentsAdmins can manage agents for Copilot in the same way as they manage any other app in the Integrated apps section of the Microsoft 365 admin center. Admins can enable, disable, assign, block, or remove agents for their organization, and manage Copilot capabilities and data privacy.See settings configurations here: Manage agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot in Integrated Apps - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn PagesAbility to manage Copilot Pages, .loop files stored in a user-owned SharePoint Embedded containers, using an admin on/off switch.See settings configurations here: Manage Loop components in your organization | Microsoft Learn Copilot Key and Windows + C shortcutAdmins can map the Copilot key to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.Use policy to map the Copilot key: Policies to manage the Copilot key https://aka.ms/NewM365CopilotApp https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/loop/loop-components-configuration?view=o365-worldwide https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/manage-windows-copilot#policies-to-manage-the-copilot-key https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490155 |
| 2025-05-09 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot app updates for unlicensed users include a refreshed navigation pane, simplified chat experience, and an Agent Store. The rollout begins mid-May 2025 for targeted release and late May 2025 for general availability. No admin action is required, but user notification is recommended. | Microsoft 365 Copilot app's Wave 2 Spring release updates for unlicensed users include a refreshed navigation pane, simplified Copilot Chat experience, and an Agent Store. The rollout begins mid-May 2025 for targeted release and late May 2025 for general availability. No admin action is required, but user notification and documentation updates are recommended. |
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