MC1141945 – (Updated) Executable name update for Microsoft 365 Copilot app for Windows (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Windows

Platform:

Developer, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The Microsoft 365 Copilot app for Windows will change its executable name from Webviewhost.exe to M365Copilot.exe after late October 2025. The update is automatic for Microsoft Store users with auto-updates enabled. No functionality changes occur; update dependencies if needed.

Details:
Updated September 30, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
To better reflect the identity and functionality of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, we are updating the executable name on Windows devices. This change improves clarity for IT admins, developers, and users managing diagnostics or process monitoring.
When this will happen:
This update will roll out to affected users with the next app update after late October 2025 (previously late September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-26

updated:
2025-09-30

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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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**

Executable Name Change
If the executable name is changed without updating dependencies, applications or scripts relying on Webviewhost.exe may fail to function properly, leading to disruptions in user workflows.
   - roles: IT Admin, Developer
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/executable-name-update-for-microsoft-365-copilot-app-for-windows/ba-p/3823450

Automatic Update Issues
Users who have disabled automatic updates may not receive the new executable name, leading to confusion and potential errors when troubleshooting or monitoring processes.
   - roles: End User, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/executable-name-update-for-microsoft-365-copilot-app-for-windows/ba-p/3823450

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience a temporary disruption in their workflow if they are unaware of the executable name change and encounter issues with applications that depend on the old name.
   - roles: End User, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/executable-name-update-for-microsoft-365-copilot-app-for-windows/ba-p/3823450

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Improved Diagnostic Clarity
The renaming of the executable to M365Copilot.exe will enhance clarity for IT administrators and developers when monitoring processes and diagnosing issues. This can lead to faster resolution times for any problems that arise with the Copilot app, thereby improving overall IT service quality.
   - next-steps: Educate IT staff on the new executable name and update any internal documentation or monitoring tools to reflect this change. Conduct training sessions if necessary to familiarize staff with the implications of the name change.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Developers, Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/announcing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3744565

Streamlined IT Operations
With the executable name change, IT departments can streamline their operational processes by ensuring that all references in scripts, monitoring tools, and documentation are updated. This can minimize confusion and errors during troubleshooting and maintenance.
   - next-steps: Conduct an audit of existing scripts and documentation to identify references to Webviewhost.exe. Update these to M365Copilot.exe and ensure all team members are aware of the changes.
   - roles: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/30/microsoft-365-copilot-executable-name-update/

Enhanced User Experience
By clarifying the executable name, users will have a better understanding of the applications they are using, which can improve their confidence in the tools provided. This clarity can lead to a more positive user experience and potentially higher adoption rates of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
   - next-steps: Communicate the change to all users through an internal memo or announcement. Highlight the benefits of the Copilot app and encourage feedback to ensure users feel supported during the transition.
   - roles: End Users, User Experience Designers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/30/microsoft-365-copilot-executable-name-update/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

The change in the executable name for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app is similar to renaming a file folder on your computer. Imagine you have a folder labeled "Old Projects" that you've been using for a while. Over time, you realize it would be more helpful to call it "Completed Projects" to better reflect its contents. The contents of the folder remain the same, but the new name makes it clearer and easier to understand what the folder is about.

In the same way, Microsoft is changing the name of the executable file for the Copilot app from "Webviewhost.exe" to "M365Copilot.exe." This change doesn't alter how the app works or how you use it; it simply makes it clearer what the file is associated with, especially for those who manage or monitor these processes.

For most users, this update will happen automatically if their settings allow for it, much like how your phone updates apps when connected to Wi-Fi. If your organization relies on the old name for certain processes, like a shortcut pointing to the old folder name, you'll need to update those references to the new name to ensure everything continues to work smoothly.

There are no compliance issues with this change, but it's always a good idea to review any organizational policies to make sure everything aligns with your internal guidelines.