check before: 2025-08-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting early August 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot shifts to capacity-based access for some features. Non-licensed Copilot Chat users get standard access subject to availability, while licensed users have priority. Rollout completes by late October. No admin action is needed; upgrades enable priority access.
Details:
Updated September 26, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're excited to announce the change from fixed limits to capacity-based access for some capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Starting early August, Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license get standard access to tools like image generation and file upload based on service capacity. The access could vary during the time of the day based on the available capacity. Users will be notified in-product if the service capacity is not available and the task in progress will not be interrupted. Microsoft 365 Copilot users are offered priority access to these tools.
[When this will happen]
This change will start rolling out early August and be completed by late October 2025 (previously mid-September).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-07-18
updated:
2025-09-26
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Access Limitations
Non-licensed users may experience delays or unavailability of features during peak times due to capacity-based access, leading to frustration and reduced productivity.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/26/standard-and-priority-access-to-copilot-capabilities/
User Experience
Users may receive in-product notifications about service capacity issues, which could lead to confusion or dissatisfaction if they are not adequately informed about the changes beforehand.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/26/standard-and-priority-access-to-copilot-capabilities/
Increased Support Queries
The change may lead to an increase in support queries from users who are unaware of the new access levels and their implications, straining IT support resources.
- roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/26/standard-and-priority-access-to-copilot-capabilities/
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Experience through Capacity Management
The shift to capacity-based access allows users to experience more reliable service during peak times. By effectively managing capacity, users can better predict when they will have access to certain features, reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction.
- next-steps: Implement user training sessions to educate staff on how to optimize their use of Copilot features during peak and off-peak hours. Monitor usage patterns to identify peak times and adjust team workflows accordingly.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/26/announcing-capacity-based-access-to-microsoft-365-copilot/
Cost Management through License Optimization
By evaluating the number of users who truly need priority access to Copilot features, organizations can optimize licensing costs. Transitioning non-essential users to standard access can lead to significant savings without sacrificing productivity.
- next-steps: Conduct an audit of current Copilot usage among employees to identify who requires priority access versus standard access. Use this data to make informed decisions about license allocation.
- roles: Finance, IT Management, HR
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/pricing
Improved IT Operations through User Feedback Mechanism
Establishing a feedback loop for users experiencing capacity issues can provide valuable insights for IT. This can lead to proactive measures being taken to enhance service delivery and address user concerns effectively.
- next-steps: Create a feedback channel for users to report their experiences with Copilot access. Regularly review this feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement in IT operations.
- roles: IT Management, User Experience Teams, Support Staff
- references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/09/25/how-to-create-a-successful-user-feedback-loop/?sh=1b98c1b46b62
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 |
| 2025-09-26 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-09-26 | MC Summary | Starting early August, Microsoft 365 Copilot will switch to capacity-based access for some capabilities. Standard access will be available based on service capacity, with priority access for Copilot license holders. No admin action is required, and users will be notified if capacity is unavailable. The rollout will complete by the end of August. | Starting early August 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot shifts to capacity-based access for some features. Non-licensed Copilot Chat users get standard access subject to availability, while licensed users have priority. Rollout completes by late October. No admin action is needed; upgrades enable priority access. |
| 2025-09-26 | MC Last Updated | 07/18/2025 00:51:50 | 2025-09-26T17:54:09Z |
| 2025-09-26 | MC Messages | We're excited to announce the change from fixed limits to capacity-based access for some capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Starting early August, Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license get standard access to tools like image generation and file upload based on service capacity. The access could vary during the time of the day based on the available capacity. Users will be notified in-product if the service capacity is not available and the task in progress will not be interrupted. Microsoft 365 Copilot users are offered priority access to these tools.
[When this will happen] This change will start rolling out early August and be completed at the end of August. | Updated September 26, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're excited to announce the change from fixed limits to capacity-based access for some capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Starting early August, Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license get standard access to tools like image generation and file upload based on service capacity. The access could vary during the time of the day based on the available capacity. Users will be notified in-product if the service capacity is not available and the task in progress will not be interrupted. Microsoft 365 Copilot users are offered priority access to these tools. [When this will happen] This change will start rolling out early August and be completed by late October 2025 (previously mid-September). |
| 2025-09-26 | MC Title | Standard and Priority access to Copilot capabilities | (Updated) Standard and Priority access to Copilot capabilities |
| 2025-09-26 | MC End Time | 09/28/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-12-01T08:00:00Z |
Last updated 5 days ago ago
