check before: 2025-07-15
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Teams
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Researcher agent in the Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt Box will be generally available starting July 18, 2025. It integrates deep research capabilities into Microsoft 365 apps, enhancing efficiency for complex research tasks. No admin action is required, but management is possible via the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Details:
We're excited to announce the general availability (GA) of the Researcher agent in the Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt Box, starting July 18, 2025. This enhancement brings the power of deep research directly into the flow of work, helping users tackle complex, multi-step research tasks more efficiently.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin mid-July 2025 and will be available to all Microsoft 365 Copilot-licensed users.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-06-19
updated:
2025-06-19
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**
The Researcher agent in the Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt Box acts as a virtual research assistant, quickly gathering and analyzing information within Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and Outlook, and is automatically available to users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflow due to the introduction of a new feature without prior training or communication.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Increased Support Requests
The rollout of the Researcher agent may lead to an increase in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
- roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Data Processing Concerns
Changes in how customer data is processed or accessed may raise compliance and security concerns among users and administrators.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Feature Misuse
Without proper guidance, users may misuse the Researcher agent, leading to inefficiencies or incorrect data usage.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Integration Issues
The new feature may not integrate smoothly with existing workflows or third-party applications, causing disruptions.
- roles: System Administrators, Application Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Research Efficiency
The integration of the Researcher agent into Microsoft 365 apps allows users to conduct complex research tasks more efficiently, directly within their workflow. This can significantly reduce time spent on research, thereby increasing productivity.
- next-steps: Encourage training sessions for employees to familiarize them with the Researcher agent's capabilities and how to effectively utilize it within their daily tasks.
- roles: Researchers, Project Managers, Marketing Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Improved Collaboration Across Teams
With the Researcher agent available in Teams, it fosters better collaboration as team members can share insights and findings in real-time, leading to more informed decision-making and enhanced teamwork.
- next-steps: Organize collaborative workshops that utilize the Researcher agent in Teams to demonstrate its impact on group projects and research initiatives.
- roles: Team Leaders, Collaborative Project Teams, HR Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Streamlined Data Management
The Researcher agent's ability to reason over work and web data, including third-party data, allows for more streamlined data management and utilization, which can lead to better insights and strategic decisions.
- next-steps: Evaluate current data management practices and identify areas where the Researcher agent can be integrated to enhance data utilization and insights.
- roles: Data Analysts, IT Administrators, Business Intelligence Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
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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