check before: 2025-07-02
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft is simplifying Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Chat will now appear as the default module, making it easier to find. This change begins in mid-August 2025, with no admin action required.
Details:
Updated July 18, 2025: We've revised the timeline below and broadened the audience to help ensure all customers are informed of the change. We appreciate your continued patience.
Based on your feedback, we're simplifying the behavior of Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This change only impacts users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Today, the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat admin setting controls Copilot Chat entry points in Microsoft 365 apps, including the Microsoft 365 Copilot app across web, mobile, and desktop. Pinning is off by default, but users may be prompted to pin.
We have heard from customers that this default experience creates confusion in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Users expect to see Copilot Chat but don't know how to find it.
To solve this, we are removing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app from the scope of the pinning setting. Instead, Chat will appear as the default module.
Setting before and after this change:
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-07-02
updated:
2025-07-23
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Confusion
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license may experience confusion regarding the new default module for Copilot Chat, leading to potential frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit/
Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are unsure about the new navigation and functionality of Copilot Chat, impacting IT support resources.
- roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage
User Experience Disruption
The change in default settings may disrupt the user experience for those accustomed to the previous layout, potentially leading to a temporary decline in user satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Product Managers
- references: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2310640
Training Needs
There may be a need for additional training or communication to help users adapt to the new default settings, which could strain resources if not planned for.
- roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
- references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit/
Potential Misuse of Features
Users may inadvertently misuse the Copilot Chat feature due to lack of familiarity with the new interface, leading to inefficiencies or errors in their work.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Improved User Experience through Simplified Access
By making Copilot Chat the default module for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, users can more easily discover and utilize this feature, enhancing their overall experience with the Microsoft 365 suite.
- next-steps: Communicate the change to all users, highlighting the benefits of the simplified access to Copilot Chat. Provide training resources to help users maximize the use of Copilot Chat for their tasks.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators, Product Managers
- references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit/, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage
Increased Productivity with Generative AI
The accessibility of Copilot Chat for users without a license can lead to increased productivity as users can utilize AI capabilities for summarizing, rewriting, and answering questions without needing a premium license.
- next-steps: Monitor user engagement with Copilot Chat post-implementation and gather feedback to assess productivity improvements. Consider developing best practice guides for effective use of Copilot Chat.
- roles: Team Leaders, Productivity Analysts, HR Managers
- references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit/
Cost-Effective Training and Support
With the simplified access to Copilot Chat, organizations can focus their training resources on maximizing the use of a single entry point rather than multiple features, streamlining training efforts and reducing associated costs.
- next-steps: Develop a targeted training program that focuses on the new default access to Copilot Chat. Use analytics to track training effectiveness and adjust as necessary to ensure users are well-supported.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Administrators, Learning and Development Managers
- references: https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/chat-and-agent-starter-kit/
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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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 |
| 2025-07-23 | MC Last Updated | 07/19/2025 00:41:05 | 2025-07-23T07:56:24Z |
| 2025-07-19 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-07-19 | MC Summary | Microsoft is simplifying Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Chat will now appear as the default module, making it easier to find. This change begins in early August 2025, with no admin action required. | Microsoft is simplifying Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Chat will now appear as the default module, making it easier to find. This change begins in mid-August 2025, with no admin action required. |
| 2025-07-19 | MC Last Updated | 07/02/2025 01:30:35 | 2025-07-19T00:41:05Z |
| 2025-07-19 | MC Messages | Based on your feedback, we're simplifying the behavior of Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This change only impacts users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Today, the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat admin setting controls Copilot Chat entry points in Microsoft 365 apps, including the Microsoft 365 Copilot app across web, mobile, and desktop. Pinning is off by default, but users may be prompted to pin. We have heard from customers that this default experience creates confusion in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Users expect to see Copilot Chat but don't know how to find it. To solve this, we are removing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app from the scope of the pinning setting. Instead, Chat will appear as the default module. Setting before and after this change: | Updated July 18, 2025: We've revised the timeline below and broadened the audience to help ensure all customers are informed of the change. We appreciate your continued patience.
Based on your feedback, we're simplifying the behavior of Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This change only impacts users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Today, the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat admin setting controls Copilot Chat entry points in Microsoft 365 apps, including the Microsoft 365 Copilot app across web, mobile, and desktop. Pinning is off by default, but users may be prompted to pin. We have heard from customers that this default experience creates confusion in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Users expect to see Copilot Chat but don't know how to find it. To solve this, we are removing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app from the scope of the pinning setting. Instead, Chat will appear as the default module. Setting before and after this change: |
| 2025-07-19 | MC Title | Simplifying Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app | (Updated) Simplifying Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app |
| 2025-07-19 | MC How Affect | There is no change for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
When users without this license open the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, Chat will appear as the default module, with an entry point in the navigation menu. Microsoft 365 Copilot app for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license: While this change will help users discover Copilot Chat, these users have the choice to unpin Chat in their navigation bar. Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will continue to honor other admin controls: Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | Microsoft Learn. [When this will happen:] The rollout of this change begins early August 2025 and completes in the weeks following. | There is no change for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
When users without this license open the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, Chat will appear as the default module, with an entry point in the navigation menu. Microsoft 365 Copilot app for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license: While this change will help users discover Copilot Chat, these users have the choice to unpin Chat in their navigation bar. Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will continue to honor other admin controls: Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | Microsoft Learn. [When this will happen:] The rollout of this change begins mid-August 2025 and completes in the weeks following. |
Last updated 3 months ago ago
