check before: 2024-02-16
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Engage, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Updated message, New feature, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Viva Engage community agents are in Public Preview, allowing admins to add AI agents that draft answers using community and SharePoint content. Tagging by members enables follow-up questions. Admins can specify additional SharePoint sites for grounding. General Availability starts late March 2026, with default enablement.
Details:
Updated January 26, 2026: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to help draft answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content and add context to posts by answering follow up questions using the community's conversations and SharePoint site and library.
We're now adding the option for community admins to specify additional SharePoint sites outside the community as grounding sources. The agent will only use sites that community admins select, and it drafts answers from items that community members can view (Read).
We are also adding a new capability: tagging by community members. Tagging by community members enables Microsoft 365 copilot-licensed users to @-mention the community agent in the comments and replies of threads with follow up questions and requests to add context to posts. When tagged, the community agent will reply in the post. Tagging by community members will be enabled by default, but can be disabled by community admins in the agent settings.
[When this will happen:]
Agents in communities Public Preview: available now
SharePoint Grounding on Community site and library Public Preview (Worldwide): available now
Grounding on SharePoint sites and libraries outside the community and tagging by community members Public Preview (worldwide): Starting Feb. 16th, expected to complete by mid-March.
General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late March 2026, expected to complete by late April 2026
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-09-19
updated:
2026-01-27
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**
Viva Engage is introducing AI agents in its communities to help answer questions by accessing existing content from the community and SharePoint, with community admins able to select additional SharePoint sites for the agent to use, and the feature is currently in a Public Preview phase.
Direct effects for Operations**
AI-generated responses
The introduction of AI agents may lead to inaccurate or misleading answers being provided to users if not properly configured or monitored, impacting user trust and satisfaction.
- roles: Community Admins, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config
Increased workload for admins
Admins may face an increased workload in managing and reviewing AI-generated content, especially if the 'Require review' feature is enabled, leading to potential delays in response times.
- roles: Community Admins, Global Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config
User experience with tagging
If tagging by community members is enabled without proper communication, users may misuse the feature, leading to confusion and a cluttered conversation thread.
- roles: End Users, Community Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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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 |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Summary | Viva Engage agents are in Public Preview starting September 18, 2025, allowing community admins to add AI agents that draft answers using community and SharePoint content. SharePoint grounding will enhance answer accuracy by late September. General Availability is planned for early 2026, with admin controls for posting and content access. | Viva Engage community agents are in Public Preview, allowing admins to add AI agents that draft answers using community and SharePoint content. Tagging by members enables follow-up questions. Admins can specify additional SharePoint sites for grounding. General Availability starts late March 2026, with default enablement. |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Last Updated | 09/22/2025 19:01:28 | 2026-01-26T21:39:00Z |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Messages | Updated September 22, 2025: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to enhance knowledge sharing by drafting answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content. Shortly after public preview begins, we'll be enhancing agents in communities with SharePoint grounding to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated answers. This update allows the agent to use content from SharePoint sites that community members can access, helping ensure responses are contextually grounded and backed by trusted sources. Agents in communities will only draft answers with content that all community members have access to. You can set up your agent with before SharePoint grounding is available and add it later. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: Begins September 18th, expected to be complete by late September SharePoint Grounding Public Preview (Worldwide): Begins late September 2025, expected to complete by early October 2025 General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late January 2026, expected to complete by late February 2026 | Updated January 26, 2026: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to help draft answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content and add context to posts by answering follow up questions using the community's conversations and SharePoint site and library. We're now adding the option for community admins to specify additional SharePoint sites outside the community as grounding sources. The agent will only use sites that community admins select, and it drafts answers from items that community members can view (Read). We are also adding a new capability: tagging by community members. Tagging by community members enables Microsoft 365 copilot-licensed users to @-mention the community agent in the comments and replies of threads with follow up questions and requests to add context to posts. When tagged, the community agent will reply in the post. Tagging by community members will be enabled by default, but can be disabled by community admins in the agent settings. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: available now SharePoint Grounding on Community site and library Public Preview (Worldwide): available now Grounding on SharePoint sites and libraries outside the community and tagging by community members Public Preview (worldwide): Starting Feb. 16th, expected to complete by mid-March. General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late March 2026, expected to complete by late April 2026 |
| 2026-01-27 | MC End Time | 04/01/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-05-25T09:00:00Z |
| 2026-01-27 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: Viva Engage community admins with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses; Global and Engage admins managing Viva Engage networks
What will happen: During Public Preview: Admins can opt their network into the preview via the Engage admin center: Engage admin center > Tenant Settings > Enable Community Agent Public Preview. Once enabled, admins can add agents to any community they manage. Figure i. Add agent to community The agent will proactively draft answers to unanswered questions using past conversations. By default, the agent posts answers automatically. Admins can configure whether the agent posts answers automatically or only after approval. Figure ii. Configure the agent to require answer review before posting If Require review is enabled, admins and designated experts will be notified when the agent drafts an answer. They can approve, edit, or dismiss the response. Figure iii. Community admins and experts can review agent suggestions Coming soon (General Availability): The agent will only use content that all community members can access. Admins must be owners of the SharePoint sites they wish to configure. Admins can add additional SharePoint sites to expand the agent's grounding knowledge. The agent will be grounded by default on the community's SharePoint site. All Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users will have access to the Community Agent by default. The Community Agent Public Preview toggle will be retired. | Who is affected: Viva Engage community admins and members with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses; Global and Engage admins managing Viva Engage networks
What will happen: During Public Preview: Admins can opt their network into the preview via the Engage admin center: Engage admin center > Tenant Settings > Enable Community Agent Public Preview. Once enabled, admins can add agents to any community they manage. Figure i. Add agent to community The agent will proactively draft answers to unanswered questions using past conversations. By default, the agent posts answers automatically. Admins can configure whether the agent posts answers automatically or only after approval and if tagging by community members is enabled. Figure ii. Configure the agent's capabilities and knowledge sources [Grounding on SharePoint sites outside the community] Community admins can add SharePoint sites and libraries outside the community as additional grounding sources (for sites/libraries they administer). When an admin adds a site or library, they'll be prompted to grant the community's Microsoft 365 group Read access if it doesn't already have permission. The agent only drafts answers using content that all community members can view (Read). By default, the agent uses the community's SharePoint site and library. Any sites outside the community are optional and add to (not replace) the default grounding. If Require review is enabled, admins and designated experts will be notified when the agent drafts an answer. They can approve, edit, or dismiss the response. Figure iii. Community admins and experts can review agent suggestions If tagging by community members is enabled, then community members can @-mention the agent in messages. Coming soon (General Availability): The agent will only use content that all community members can access. Admins must be owners of the SharePoint sites they wish to configure. Admins can add additional SharePoint sites to expand the agent's grounding knowledge. The agent will be grounded by default on the community's SharePoint site. Community members can tag the community agent in community posts. All Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users will have access to the Community Agent by default. The Community Agent Public Preview toggle will be retired. |
| 2025-09-23 | MC Messages | Updated September 19, 2025: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to enhance knowledge sharing by drafting answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content. Shortly after public preview begins, we'll be enhancing agents in communities with SharePoint grounding to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated answers. This update allows the agent to use content from SharePoint sites that community members can access, helping ensure responses are contextually grounded and backed by trusted sources. Agents in communities will only draft answers with content that all community members have access to. You can set up your agent with before SharePoint grounding is available and add it later. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: Begins September 18th, expected to be complete by late September 2025 SharePoint Grounding Public Preview (Worldwide): Begins late September 2025, expected to complete by early October 2025 General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late January 2026, expected to complete by late February 2026 | Updated September 22, 2025: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to enhance knowledge sharing by drafting answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content. Shortly after public preview begins, we'll be enhancing agents in communities with SharePoint grounding to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated answers. This update allows the agent to use content from SharePoint sites that community members can access, helping ensure responses are contextually grounded and backed by trusted sources. Agents in communities will only draft answers with content that all community members have access to. You can set up your agent with before SharePoint grounding is available and add it later. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: Begins September 18th, expected to be complete by late September SharePoint Grounding Public Preview (Worldwide): Begins late September 2025, expected to complete by early October 2025 General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late January 2026, expected to complete by late February 2026 |
| 2025-09-23 | MC Last Updated | 09/19/2025 18:21:47 | 2025-09-22T19:01:28Z |
| 2025-09-23 | MC prepare | If participating in preview:
Opt your network into the preview via the Engage admin center Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation that references Viva Engage Community Agent behavior or setup. No action is required at GA; the feature will be on by default. Learn more: Set up and manage agents in Viva Engage communities | Microsoft Learn [Compliance considerations:] ConsiderationExplanation Uses customer dataThe agent accesses SharePoint content to generate answers. Only content accessible to all community members is used. Introduces AI/ML agent capabilitiesThe agent uses generative AI to draft responses based on SharePoint content. Admin control available(Optional) Community admins can configure which SharePoint sites are used for grounding. Admin must be site owner. User interaction with generative AIEnd users receive AI-generated answers grounded in community conversations and SharePoint content Can be controlled through Entra ID group membershipAdmin access and site ownership can be managed via Entra ID group membership. https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00 https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config | If participating in preview:
Opt your network into the preview via the Engage admin center Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation that references Viva Engage Community Agent behavior or setup. No action is required at GA; the feature will be on by default. Learn more: Set up and manage agents in Viva Engage communities | Microsoft Learn [Compliance considerations:] ConsiderationExplanation Uses customer dataThe agent accesses SharePoint content to generate answers. Only content accessible to all community members is used. Introduces AI/ML agent capabilitiesThe agent uses generative AI to draft responses based on SharePoint content. Admin control available(Optional) Community admins can configure which SharePoint sites are used for grounding. Admin must be site owner. User interaction with generative AIEnd users receive AI-generated answers grounded in community conversations and SharePoint content Can be controlled through Entra ID group membershipAdmin access and site ownership can be managed via Entra ID group membership. https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config |
| 2025-09-20 | MC Messages | Updated September 18, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to enhance knowledge sharing by drafting answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content. Shortly after public preview begins, we'll be enhancing agents in communities with SharePoint grounding to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated answers. This update allows the agent to use content from SharePoint sites that community members can access, helping ensure responses are contextually grounded and backed by trusted sources. Agents in communities will only draft answers with content that all community members have access to. You can set up your agent with before SharePoint grounding is available and add it later. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: Begins September 18th, expected to be complete by late September SharePoint Grounding Public Preview (Worldwide): Begins late September 2025, expected to complete by early October 2025 General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late January 2026, expected to complete by late February 2026 | Updated September 19, 2025: We have updated the content Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Agent in Viva Engage communities are now available in Public Preview. Community admins can add agents to communities to enhance knowledge sharing by drafting answers to questions without best or verified answers based on community content. Shortly after public preview begins, we'll be enhancing agents in communities with SharePoint grounding to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated answers. This update allows the agent to use content from SharePoint sites that community members can access, helping ensure responses are contextually grounded and backed by trusted sources. Agents in communities will only draft answers with content that all community members have access to. You can set up your agent with before SharePoint grounding is available and add it later. [When this will happen:] Agents in communities Public Preview: Begins September 18th, expected to be complete by late September 2025 SharePoint Grounding Public Preview (Worldwide): Begins late September 2025, expected to complete by early October 2025 General Availability (Worldwide): Begins late January 2026, expected to complete by late February 2026 |
| 2025-09-20 | MC Last Updated | 09/18/2025 23:03:40 | 2025-09-19T18:21:47Z |
| 2025-09-20 | MC prepare | If participating in preview:
Opt your network into the preview via the Engage admin center Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation that references Viva Engage Community Agent behavior or setup. No action is required at GA; the feature will be on by default. Learn more: Set up and manage the agents in communities feature in Viva Engage [Compliance considerations:] ConsiderationExplanation Uses customer dataThe agent accesses SharePoint content to generate answers. Only content accessible to all community members is used. Introduces AI/ML agent capabilitiesThe agent uses generative AI to draft responses based on SharePoint content. Admin control available(Optional) Community admins can configure which SharePoint sites are used for grounding. Admin must be site owner. User interaction with generative AIEnd users receive AI-generated answers grounded in community conversations and SharePoint content Can be controlled through Entra ID group membershipAdmin access and site ownership can be managed via Entra ID group membership. https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00 https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-copilot-and-agents-in-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config | If participating in preview:
Opt your network into the preview via the Engage admin center Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation that references Viva Engage Community Agent behavior or setup. No action is required at GA; the feature will be on by default. Learn more: Set up and manage agents in Viva Engage communities | Microsoft Learn [Compliance considerations:] ConsiderationExplanation Uses customer dataThe agent accesses SharePoint content to generate answers. Only content accessible to all community members is used. Introduces AI/ML agent capabilitiesThe agent uses generative AI to draft responses based on SharePoint content. Admin control available(Optional) Community admins can configure which SharePoint sites are used for grounding. Admin must be site owner. User interaction with generative AIEnd users receive AI-generated answers grounded in community conversations and SharePoint content Can be controlled through Entra ID group membershipAdmin access and site ownership can be managed via Entra ID group membership. https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00https://cxcs.microsoft.net/file/ccp/en-us/e641e3d6-9fff-4a4e-ac28-07adc0509e00 https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/ai-technology-with-viva-engage/agents-community-network-deployment-config |
| 2025-09-20 | MC Summary | Viva Engage communities now have agents in Public Preview (from Sept 18, 2025) that draft AI-generated answers using community content. SharePoint grounding will enhance accuracy by late Sept. Admins can enable, configure auto-posting or review, and add SharePoint sites. General Availability is expected early 2026. | Viva Engage agents are in Public Preview starting September 18, 2025, allowing community admins to add AI agents that draft answers using community and SharePoint content. SharePoint grounding will enhance answer accuracy by late September. General Availability is planned for early 2026, with admin controls for posting and content access. |
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