MC1184413 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot for Android: Preview and chat with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in the Copilot app

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Entra, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams

Platform:

Android, Online, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

518290

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Android now allows previewing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with Copilot Chat, but editing requires switching to standalone apps. Offline access and advanced file management move to standalone apps. Tenant admins should prepare by deploying these apps and updating user communications.

Details:
Updated January 9, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing a new preview experience in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for Android that allows users to open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files and interact with them using Copilot Chat. For editing actions, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app will transition to the fully featured standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps. This change positions Microsoft 365 Copilot as your AI-first productivity assistant, bringing together activity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 apps.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 518290.
[When this will happen]
Mid-November 2025: Users may begin seeing prompts to install the standalone Word, Excel, or PowerPoint apps when attempting to edit those file types in Copilot.
Mid-December 2025 - End of January 2026: Previewer experience rollout begins and is expected to complete by end of January 2026 (previously mid-January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-11-10

updated:
2026-01-10

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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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

The Microsoft 365 Copilot app for Android allows users to preview and interact with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files using Copilot Chat, but for editing, users must switch to the standalone apps, ensuring they have the best tools for more complex tasks.

Direct effects for Operations**

Editing Files
Users will be unable to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly in the Copilot app, leading to potential frustration and decreased productivity as they must switch to standalone apps.
   - roles: End Users, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=518290

Offline Access
The removal of offline access in the Copilot app will hinder users' ability to work without an internet connection, impacting their workflow and efficiency.
   - roles: End Users, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=518290

File Management
Advanced file management capabilities will be removed from the Copilot app, requiring users to switch to the standalone OneDrive app, which may disrupt their file handling processes.
   - roles: End Users, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=518290

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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