MC1073071 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Access agents from the Microsoft Edge sidebar

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Edge

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

482410

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot agents will be accessible from the Edge sidebar starting late September 2025. Users must pre-add agents to access them there but cannot create or add new ones via the sidebar. The feature is automatic, default-enabled, and enhances multitasking without screen switching.

Details:
Updated August 27, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Users will soon be able to access agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot from the Edge sidebar (on the right side of the screen) while using Copilot.
This message applies to Web chat and Work chat for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license and to Copilot Chat for users with a Microsoft 365 license.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 482410.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late September 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by early October 2025 (previously early September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-14

updated:
2025-08-28

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**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not informed about the new feature, leading to potential inefficiencies in their workflow as they may not know how to access or utilize the agents effectively.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/edge, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/introducing-agents-943e563d-602d-40fa-bdd1-dbc83f582466

Increased Support Requests
Without prior preparation and communication, IT support may face an influx of support requests from users who are unaware of how to manage or access the new agents in the Edge sidebar, leading to increased workload and potential delays in response times.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=482410

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing a new feature that allows users to access Microsoft 365 Copilot agents directly from the Edge browser's sidebar. Imagine you're working at your desk and have a stack of papers you frequently need to refer to. Instead of having to stand up and walk to a filing cabinet every time you need a document, you now have a small drawer right at your desk with all the important papers you need. This drawer is the Edge sidebar, and the papers are the Copilot agents.

Starting in late September 2025, users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will be able to use these agents from the Edge sidebar. However, just like you need to put the papers in the drawer first, users must pre-add these agents to their Microsoft 365 Copilot. Once added, they can be accessed easily without leaving the main screen of your browser, making multitasking smoother and more efficient.

This feature will be enabled by default, meaning it will automatically be available without needing any setup from IT administrators. It's like getting a new tool on your desk without having to assemble it yourself. However, users won't be able to create or add new agents directly from the sidebar; they can only use the ones they've already added.

For those managing teams or providing support, it might be useful to inform users about this change and update any relevant guides or documentation. This ensures everyone knows how to make the most of this new feature, just like you would update an office manual when a new process is introduced.

Overall, this update aims to make it easier for users to access the tools they need without interrupting their workflow, much like having everything you need within arm's reach at your workspace.