MC1108844 – Microsoft 365 Copilot Search General Availability (archived)

Product:

Copilot, eDiscovery, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Graph, Microsoft Search, Purview Communication Compliance

Platform:

Android, Developer, iOS, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

490778

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Search, an AI-powered search experience, will be generally available mid-July 2025 for eligible users. It integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot app across platforms, leveraging Microsoft Graph and connectors for personalized, context-aware answers. Review documentation and ensure proper licensing. Compliance considerations include data processing and AI capabilities.

Details:
We're introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Search, a new AI-powered, enterprise-grade search experience that will be generally available starting mid-July 2025 for users with an eligible Microsoft 365 Copilot license. This unified search experience is accessible through the Microsoft 365 Copilot app across web, mobile, and desktop platforms.
Copilot Search leverages Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 Copilot connectors to index content across Microsoft 365 and third-party apps. It interprets user context, natural language, behavioral signals, and organizational relationships to deliver highly personalized, context-aware answers to complex queries. Integrated with Microsoft 365 Copilot chat, it enables users to move seamlessly from information discovery to task execution using action-oriented queries.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 490778
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rolling out early July 2025, expected to complete by mid-July 2025.
General Availability: Rolling out mid-August 2025, expected to complete by late August 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-07-04

updated:
2025-07-04

Public Preview Start Date

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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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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion and frustration due to the sudden transition from the classic Microsoft Search to the new AI-powered search interface without adequate training or preparation.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Data Processing Compliance Issues
The change in data processing and storage methods may lead to compliance violations if users are not informed about how their data will be indexed and interpreted by the new system.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of a new search interface may lead to a spike in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new features, overwhelming IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Training and Adoption Challenges
Without proper preparation and training, users may struggle to adopt the new features effectively, leading to decreased productivity and user satisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Integration Issues with Third-Party Apps
The new search capabilities may not integrate smoothly with existing third-party applications, causing disruptions in workflows and user frustration.
   - roles: Application Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training and Adoption Programs
With the introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot Search, there's an opportunity to develop targeted training programs that help users maximize the new AI-powered search capabilities. This will improve user experience and productivity as users learn to leverage personalized, context-aware search effectively.
   - next-steps: Create a training schedule that includes workshops and online resources focusing on Copilot Search functionalities. Involve key user groups to provide feedback on training materials.
   - roles: IT Managers, Training Coordinators, Department Heads
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Improved Data Compliance and Governance
The AI capabilities of Copilot Search may change how data is processed and stored. This presents an opportunity to enhance data compliance and governance policies, ensuring that data access and usage are properly monitored and reported.
   - next-steps: Review current compliance policies in light of the new features introduced by Copilot Search. Engage with compliance teams to update data governance frameworks as necessary.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

Integration with Existing Tools and Processes
As Copilot Search integrates with Microsoft Graph and third-party apps, there is an opportunity to streamline workflows by integrating these capabilities into existing business processes and tools. This can enhance operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Conduct an assessment of existing tools and processes to identify integration points with Copilot Search. Collaborate with relevant departments to implement these integrations.
   - roles: Operations Managers, Business Analysts, IT Integration Specialists
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-search, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=490778

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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