MC1134170 – [Copilot Extensibility] Admins can manage ownerless Copilot agents with new lifecycle controls (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 suite

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature

Links:

481519

Details:

Summary:
Admins will gain lifecycle controls to identify, review, delete, or block ownerless Copilot agents created by departed users, improving security and governance. The feature rolls out globally from late August to mid-September 2025, with owner assignment for agents coming in October. No prior configuration is needed.

Details:
Introduction
We're introducing a new lifecycle management feature that helps admins identify and take action on ownerless agents-those created by users who have left the organization. This update improves visibility and control over agent inventory, helping maintain security and governance across your tenant.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 481519.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in late August 2025 and is expected to complete by mid-September 2025.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-08-13

updated:
2025-08-13

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Security Risks from Ownerless Agents
Without proper management of ownerless Copilot agents, there is a risk of unauthorized access or misuse of data, as these agents may still have permissions associated with them.
   - roles: IT Admin, Security Officer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481519

User Experience Disruption
If ownerless agents are not managed, users may experience disruptions in service or functionality, as these agents could interfere with workflows or cause confusion regarding ownership and accountability.
   - roles: End User, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481519

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your organization as a large library. Each book in this library represents a digital agent, like Copilot, that helps with various tasks. These agents are created by employees to assist with their work. However, when an employee leaves the organization, it's like a librarian leaving the library without taking their books with them. These books become ownerless, and no one is responsible for them anymore.

In the digital world, this can pose a security risk, as these ownerless agents might still have access to sensitive information or perform tasks without oversight. To address this, Microsoft is introducing a new feature that acts like a library assistant. This assistant helps identify these ownerless books (or agents) and gives the library manager (or admin) the tools to decide what to do with them.

Admins can now easily spot these ownerless agents using a special dashboard. It's like having a map that highlights all the books without a librarian. Once identified, admins can choose to either remove these agents from the system or block them from accessing any information, ensuring that the library remains secure and well-organized.

Furthermore, in the near future, admins will also have the ability to assign a new librarian to these books, ensuring they are managed properly. This process doesn't require any setup beforehand, making it as simple as checking out a book from the library.

This new feature is designed to help maintain order and security within your organization's digital library, ensuring that every agent has a responsible owner or is properly managed if not.