MC1183295 – (Updated) Introducing the Explore Pane in Microsoft 365 Copilot (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows

Platform:

Mac, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces the Explore Pane, a guided side panel in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules to help users navigate AI features. Rolling out worldwide from early to late December 2025, it’s enabled by default for all Commercial SKU users with no admin action needed.

Details:
Updated November 21, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing the Explore Pane, a new side panel in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app designed to help users discover how to use Copilot effectively. This guided experience supports users in building confidence and unlocking the value of AI through contextual, step-by-step journeys across the Create, Search, and Notebooks modules. This enhancement aligns with our goal to make Copilot more approachable and valuable for all users.

[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rolling out from early December 2025 (previously mid-November), expected to complete by late December 2025 (previously late November).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-06

updated:
2025-11-22

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
The introduction of the Explore Pane without prior preparation may lead to confusion among users who are unfamiliar with the new interface and features, potentially hindering their productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/11/21/introducing-the-explore-pane-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Increased Support Requests
The lack of preparation and communication regarding the new Explore Pane may result in an increase in support requests from users seeking assistance on how to utilize the new features effectively.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/11/21/introducing-the-explore-pane-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're learning to drive a car. Initially, you might feel overwhelmed by all the controls and features. Now, picture having a friendly instructor sitting beside you, guiding you through each step, showing you what each button does, and helping you build confidence. This is similar to what Microsoft 365 Copilot is doing with its new Explore Pane.

The Explore Pane is like that helpful instructor. It's a new feature being added to Microsoft 365 Copilot, a tool many of you might use for creating documents, searching for information, or organizing notes. The Explore Pane will appear as a side panel when you're using certain parts of Copilot, such as Create, Search, and Notebooks. Its purpose is to guide you through using these features effectively, much like a step-by-step tutorial.

For example, if you're using the Create module to draft a document, the Explore Pane will offer tips and steps to help you make the most of the AI features available. This could be likened to having a guidebook that not only tells you what to do but also shows you how to do it, helping you unlock the full potential of the tools at your disposal.

This feature will be automatically available to all users of Microsoft 365 Copilot on web, Windows, and Mac platforms. You won't need to do anything to enable it, and there's no need for any administrative setup. Think of it as an automatic update to your software that adds a new, helpful tool to your toolkit.

In terms of action, you might want to let your team know about this new feature so they can start using it right away. If you have any internal guides or training materials on using Microsoft 365 Copilot, consider updating them to include information about the Explore Pane. This way, everyone can take full advantage of the new guided experience.

There are no compliance issues to worry about with this update, but it's always a good idea to review any new features in the context of your organization's policies. This new addition is designed to make using Microsoft 365 Copilot easier and more intuitive, helping users feel more confident and efficient in their work.