check before: 2023-06-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, OneNote, Outlook
Platform:
iOS, Mac, mobile, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is now available in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It opens in the side pane and can be managed through settings. Rollout begins in late June for Outlook and mid-July for other apps. Admins may need to adjust the pin setting for non-licensed users.
Details:
We're excited to announce that we are making Copilot Chat available as a side-by-side experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote to help users access AI in their flow of work.
Copilot Chat in Word (Windows desktop) for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. UI elements subject to change.
Copilot Chat will open in the side pane when a user opens a file. Users can manage this behavior through their settings in each app.
Reference image of the Copilot settings menu in Word (Windows desktop). UI elements subject to change.
Copilot Chat will be available in these apps for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, and for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license who have pinning enabled. We will update the text of the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat admin setting to reflect its expanded scope across Microsoft 365 apps.
Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 admin center: Existing setting with updated language
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 494830
[When this will happen:]
General Availability:
Outlook for Web, new Outlook for Windows, and classic Outlook for Windows: Rollout of this change starts in late June and completes in the weeks following.
Outlook for Mac: Rollout of this change for Mac starts in mid-July and completes in the weeks following.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote (Web, Mac, Windows): Rollout of this change starts in mid-July and completes in the weeks following.
Mobile (Word/PowerPoint) / iPad (all) rollout will start no earlier than August.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-06-17
updated:
2025-06-17
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft 365 is introducing Copilot Chat, an AI assistant feature available in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, starting in late June for Outlook and mid-July for other apps, accessible to users with a Copilot license or through admin settings.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflow if Copilot Chat is enabled without prior training or communication, leading to decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
Increased Support Requests
The introduction of Copilot Chat may lead to an increase in support requests from users unfamiliar with the new feature, overwhelming IT support resources.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
Licensing Confusion
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license may be confused about their access to Copilot Chat, leading to frustration and potential misuse of features.
- roles: End Users, Microsoft 365 Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Training and Support
With the introduction of Copilot Chat across Microsoft 365 apps, there is an opportunity to develop tailored training programs that leverage this new feature. This will help users maximize their productivity and improve their overall experience with the applications.
- next-steps: Create training materials and sessions focused on how to effectively use Copilot Chat. Gather feedback from users to refine training content.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Department Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
Streamlined Administrative Tasks
The new Copilot Chat feature can assist IT administrators by providing quick access to support resources and troubleshooting steps directly within the Microsoft 365 apps. This can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and improve response times for user issues.
- next-steps: Encourage IT staff to utilize Copilot Chat for administrative queries and create a feedback loop to continuously improve the support provided by the tool.
- roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Staff, System Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
Improved Collaboration Features
Copilot Chat can enhance collaboration by enabling users to access AI-driven suggestions and content creation tools directly within their workflow. This can lead to more efficient teamwork and project management.
- next-steps: Pilot the use of Copilot Chat in collaborative projects and gather data on its impact on team productivity and engagement.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Collaboration Specialists
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494830
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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