check before: 2025-07-16
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Teams, Windows
Platform:
Mac, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting September 8, 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users will get the Researcher agent in Word, combining OpenAI’s model with Copilot for advanced research across work and web data. It supports 37 languages, requires no admin action, and changes how customer data is accessed and processed.
Details:
Updated August 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Starting September 8th, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data.
[When this will happen:]
Word on Windows, Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins September 8th, 2025 (previously August 18, 2025) and completes by October 6th, 2025 (previously September 1st).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-07-08
updated:
2025-08-23
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Data Access Changes
The Researcher agent can access and reason over existing work data, altering how this data is processed and potentially accessed, which may lead to unauthorized data exposure if not properly managed.
- roles: Data Protection Officer, IT Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
User Experience Disruption
The introduction of the Researcher agent without preparation may overwhelm users with new functionalities, leading to confusion and decreased productivity as they adapt to the new interface and capabilities.
- roles: End User, Training Coordinator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
Compliance Risks
The potential generation or retrieval of new customer data by the Researcher agent may introduce compliance risks if the organization is not prepared to manage and secure this data appropriately.
- roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Research Capabilities
The Researcher agent allows users to conduct complex, multi-step research efficiently by integrating OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration capabilities. This can significantly improve productivity for roles that require extensive research, such as researchers, analysts, and project managers.
- next-steps: Train users on how to effectively utilize the Researcher agent in their daily tasks and provide guidelines on best practices for conducting research with the tool.
- roles: Researchers, Analysts, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
Data Processing and Compliance Improvements
The Researcher agent alters how existing customer data is processed, stored, and accessed, enabling better compliance with data handling regulations. This can enhance data governance practices and reduce risks associated with data management.
- next-steps: Review and update data governance policies to incorporate the changes introduced by the Researcher agent, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Data Governance Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
User Experience Optimization
The integration of the Researcher agent into Microsoft Word provides a new way for users to interact with generative AI through natural language prompts, enhancing the overall user experience and making research more accessible.
- next-steps: Gather user feedback post-implementation to assess the effectiveness of the Researcher agent and identify areas for further improvement in user experience.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents
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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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-08-23 | MC Last Updated | 07/22/2025 18:02:52 | 2025-08-22T19:24:29Z |
| 2025-08-23 | MC Messages | Updated July 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Starting July 16, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data. [When this will happen:] Word on Windows, Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins August 18, 2025 (previously July 16) and completes by September 1, 2025 (previously July 28). | Updated August 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Starting September 8th, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data. [When this will happen:] Word on Windows, Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins September 8th, 2025 (previously August 18, 2025) and completes by October 6th, 2025 (previously September 1st). |
| 2025-08-23 | MC End Time | 10/06/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-11-10T08:00:00Z |
| 2025-08-23 | MC Summary | Starting August 18, 2025, the Researcher agent will be available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users, combining OpenAI’s research model with Copilot’s capabilities. The rollout completes by September 1, 2025, and supports 37 languages. No admin action is required. Compliance considerations are noted. | Starting September 8, 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users will get the Researcher agent in Word, combining OpenAI’s model with Copilot for advanced research across work and web data. It supports 37 languages, requires no admin action, and changes how customer data is accessed and processed. |
| 2025-07-23 | MC Last Updated | 07/08/2025 23:25:59 | 2025-07-22T18:02:52Z |
| 2025-07-23 | MC Messages | Updated July 8, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
Starting July 16, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data. [When this will happen:] Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins July 16, 2025, and completes by July 28, 2025. Word on Windows: Rollout begins July 28, 2025, and completes by August 14, 2025. | Updated July 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Starting July 16, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data. [When this will happen:] Word on Windows, Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins August 18, 2025 (previously July 16) and completes by September 1, 2025 (previously July 28). |
| 2025-07-23 | MC End Time | 08/31/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-10-06T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-07-23 | MC Summary | Starting July 16, 2025, the Researcher agent will be available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users, combining OpenAI’s research model with Copilot’s capabilities. The rollout completes by August 14, 2025, and supports 37 languages. No admin action is required. Compliance considerations are noted. | Starting August 18, 2025, the Researcher agent will be available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users, combining OpenAI’s research model with Copilot’s capabilities. The rollout completes by September 1, 2025, and supports 37 languages. No admin action is required. Compliance considerations are noted. |
| 2025-07-09 | MC MessageTagNames | Feature update, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-07-09 | MC Summary | Researcher will be available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users starting July 16, 2025. It combines OpenAI's research model with Copilot's capabilities to assist in complex research. The rollout completes by August 14, 2025. No admin action is required, and it supports 37 languages. | Starting July 16, 2025, the Researcher agent will be available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users, combining OpenAI’s research model with Copilot’s capabilities. The rollout completes by August 14, 2025, and supports 37 languages. No admin action is required. Compliance considerations are noted. |
| 2025-07-09 | MC Last Updated | 07/08/2025 01:57:40 | 2025-07-08T23:25:59Z |
| 2025-07-09 | MC Messages | Starting July 16, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data.
[When this will happen:] Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins July 16, 2025, and completes by July 28, 2025. Word on Windows: Rollout begins July 28, 2025, and completes by August 14, 2025. | Updated July 8, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
Starting July 16, 2025, we're rolling out the new Researcher agent in Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users. This agent combines OpenAI's deep research model with Copilot's orchestration and search capabilities to help users conduct complex, multi-step research across work and web data. [When this will happen:] Word on the web and Mac: Rollout begins July 16, 2025, and completes by July 28, 2025. Word on Windows: Rollout begins July 28, 2025, and completes by August 14, 2025. |
| 2025-07-09 | MC Title | Researcher is available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users | (Updated) Researcher is available in Word for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users |
| 2025-07-09 | MC How Affect | For users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, the Researcher agent will appear:
In the Copilot prompt box in Word. In the Copilot Chat Agent Store under "Built by Microsoft." For users without a Copilot license but with pinning enabled via the "Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat" admin setting, the Researcher agent will appear at the top of the agent list. The Researcher agent supports 37 languages. Admin settings for the Researcher agent apply specifically to its use in Word. | For users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, the Researcher agent will appear:
In the Copilot prompt box in Word. In the Copilot Chat Agent Store under "Built by Microsoft. The Researcher agent supports 37 languages. Admin settings for the Researcher agent apply specifically to its use in Word. |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
