check before: 2026-01-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot app will show Chat in navigation for users blocked by admin policy but restrict access with a notice; ineligible users won’t see Chat and get a pop-up if accessing directly. Rollout starts late January 2026, no admin action required.
Details:
[Introduction]
We're making Copilot Chat availability state transparent in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Users blocked by Admin policy from Integrated apps will now see Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app navigation. Their access will remain restricted, and their default landing page stays on Search. When these users access Chat in Microsoft 365 Copilot, a message will notify them that Chat is unavailable.
Screenshot 1: User experience in the M365 Copilot app for a user blocked from accessing Copilot
Users ineligible for Copilot due to age, region, or environment won't see Chat in the app navigation. If users attempt to access the Chat URL directly, a pop-up message will appear letting them know they are not eligible to use Copilot.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability: Rollout will begin in late January 2026 and complete by late February 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-18
updated:
2025-12-18
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 Experience Disruption
Users blocked by admin policy will see Chat in navigation but will receive a restriction notice, leading to confusion and frustration.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
Access Denial for Ineligible Users
Ineligible users will not see Chat in navigation and will receive a pop-up message if they attempt to access it directly, which may lead to dissatisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Customer Service
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
Increased Support Queries
The introduction of restriction notices and pop-up messages may lead to an increase in support queries from users seeking clarification on their access status.
- roles: IT Support, Help Desk
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Communication
Implement a proactive communication strategy to inform users about the changes in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, particularly regarding the visibility of the Chat feature and the restrictions that apply. This can improve user experience by setting clear expectations and reducing confusion.
- next-steps: Develop a communication plan that includes emails, internal announcements, and training sessions for affected users to explain the changes and how to navigate the new interface.
- roles: IT Administrators, User Experience Designers, HR Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
Feedback Mechanism for User Experience
Establish a feedback mechanism for users to report their experiences and issues related to the Copilot Chat visibility changes. This will allow IT to make iterative improvements based on user input and enhance overall satisfaction with the tool.
- next-steps: Create a feedback form or survey that users can fill out after interacting with the Copilot app, and schedule regular review meetings to discuss the feedback received and identify actionable improvements.
- roles: Product Managers, IT Support Staff, User Experience Designers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
Training and Support for Ineligible Users
Develop targeted training and support resources for users who are ineligible for Copilot due to admin policies or other restrictions. Providing alternative tools or solutions can help mitigate frustration and maintain productivity.
- next-steps: Assess the needs of ineligible users and create tailored training sessions or documentation that guides them on how to utilize available tools effectively, along with potential workarounds.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Department Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-app-admin-settings
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**
In the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, there's a change coming that affects how users see and access the Chat feature. Imagine you're in a building with several rooms, but some rooms are locked for certain people. Even if you can see the door to a room, you might not be able to enter it. This is similar to what's happening with the Chat feature in the Copilot app.
For users who are blocked by an admin policy, they will see the Chat option in their app navigation, much like seeing a door in a hallway. However, when they try to enter (or access Chat), they'll receive a notice telling them they can't go in, and they'll be redirected to a different room, which in this case is the Search page. This is like having a sign on the door that says "Access Restricted."
For users who aren't eligible to use Copilot due to reasons like age, location, or the environment they're in, they won't even see the Chat door in the hallway. If they try to sneak in through a back door (by accessing the Chat URL directly), a pop-up will appear, letting them know they're not allowed to enter.
This change will start rolling out in late January 2026 and finish by late February 2026. No action is needed from administrators, so it's like a building upgrade happening automatically without needing to call in maintenance.
Overall, this update ensures that users are aware of their access limitations while keeping the navigation consistent for everyone. If you're interested in more details or want to manage these settings, you can refer to the provided documentation links.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
