MC1130391 – Microsoft 365 Copilot | View recent activity in Word with Dynamic Document Snapshot (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word introduces an Activity tab showing recent comments and edits, with filters by time. Rolling out globally from late July to August 2025, it enhances collaboration by summarizing document changes. The feature is on by default, requiring no user action.

Details:
Introduction
We're introducing a new way to stay informed about document changes in Word. The Activity tab in the Copilot summary now provides a dynamic snapshot of recent comments and edits, helping users quickly catch up on what's changed.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in late July 2025 and expect to complete by late August 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-07

updated:
2025-08-07

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 may be confused by the new Activity tab and its functionalities, leading to potential misinterpretation of document changes and comments.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/15/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-in-word/

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of the Activity tab may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek assistance in understanding and utilizing the new feature effectively.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/07/15/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-in-word/

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 is rolling out a new feature in Word called the Activity tab, part of the Copilot summary. Imagine you're working on a group project and you have a big bulletin board where everyone posts their updates and comments. The Activity tab is like a digital version of that bulletin board, showing you a snapshot of all the recent changes and comments made to a document. This way, you can quickly see what's been updated without having to dig through the entire document.

This feature is designed to make collaboration easier by keeping everyone on the same page. It allows you to filter the updates by different time frames, such as since your last visit or over the past week, so you can catch up on changes that matter most to you. It's like having a personal assistant who keeps track of everything happening in the document and gives you a quick briefing whenever you need it.

The Activity tab will be available to everyone using Microsoft 365 Word by default, so there's no need to do anything to start using it. It's like getting a new tool in your toolbox that you didn't have to assemble yourself. You might want to let your team know about this feature so they can use it to stay informed and work more efficiently.

This update also involves some new AI capabilities. The AI helps summarize the document activity, making it easier for you to see what's new. Think of it as having a smart highlighter that picks out the important parts for you. This is part of the ongoing enhancements to Microsoft 365's Copilot, aimed at making your work life a bit smoother.