MC981462 – (Updated) Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 suite, OneNote, Outlook

Platform:

mobile, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps will be available starting March 2025, with rollout completion expected by mid-June 2025. Cloud Policy to manage this feature will be available by late January 2025. Users can use Copilot across multiple signed-in accounts with appropriate permissions.

Details:
Updated May 29, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps will be available soon.
[When will this happen]
General availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early March 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025 (previously mid-May).
Cloud Policy to manage use will be available by late January 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-01-17

updated:
2025-05-30

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

Starting in March 2025, Microsoft will introduce a feature allowing users to access Copilot across multiple Microsoft 365 accounts, enabling seamless transitions between work and school environments while maintaining security based on user identity, with an option for organizations to control access via a Cloud Policy by January 2025.

Direct effects for Operations**

Data Security Risks
Without proper preparation, users may inadvertently expose sensitive organizational data when accessing Copilot across multiple accounts, leading to potential data breaches.
   - roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3531235/data-breach-prevention.html, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/05/10/the-top-5-data-breach-trends-in-2021/?sh=4c1b1c1e4b8e

User Confusion
Users may face confusion regarding which account's permissions apply when using Copilot, leading to inefficiencies and frustration in document collaboration.
   - roles: End User, Team Leader
   - references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-avoid-user-confusion-in-remote-work/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/15/how-to-avoid-user-confusion-in-technology-adoption/?sh=4c1b1c1e4b8e

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of multiple account access without adequate training may lead to a surge in support requests as users encounter issues with the new feature.
   - roles: Help Desk Technician, IT Support Manager
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-reduce-it-support-tickets/, https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-reduce-it-support-tickets/

Performance Issues
If multiple accounts are accessed simultaneously without proper infrastructure, it may lead to performance degradation in Microsoft 365 applications, affecting user productivity.
   - roles: System Administrator, Network Engineer
   - references: https://www.networkworld.com/article/3531235/how-to-improve-application-performance.html, https://www.techradar.com/news/how-to-improve-application-performance

Compliance Violations
Failure to manage multiple account access could result in non-compliance with data protection regulations, leading to legal repercussions for the organization.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
   - references: https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Compliance-Requirements, https://www.dataprotectionreport.com/2021/01/compliance-issues-in-2021-what-you-need-to-know/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration Across Teams
With multiple account access to Copilot, users can seamlessly collaborate across different teams and projects without needing to switch accounts. This enhances productivity as users can leverage Copilot's capabilities on shared documents regardless of which account they are signed into.
   - next-steps: Encourage teams to utilize the new feature by organizing training sessions and workshops to demonstrate how to effectively use Copilot with multiple accounts. Additionally, create documentation outlining best practices for collaboration.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Collaborative Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/overview-cloud-policy

Streamlined IT Management and User Support
The introduction of Cloud Policy to manage multiple account access allows IT administrators to enforce security and compliance policies more effectively. This can lead to reduced support requests related to account access issues, streamlining IT operations.
   - next-steps: Develop a comprehensive policy framework that includes guidelines on managing multiple account access. Train IT staff on the new Cloud Policy features and establish a support protocol for addressing user inquiries.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Security Teams
   - references: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2300619

Improved User Experience with Contextual Assistance
Users can receive contextually relevant assistance from Copilot based on the account they are using, leading to a more tailored and effective user experience. This can increase user satisfaction and engagement with Microsoft 365 applications.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on the Copilot experience with multiple accounts to identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to inform future updates and enhancements to the Copilot functionality.
   - roles: End Users, User Experience Designers, Product Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/overview-cloud-policy

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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