MC1112451 – Outlook: Summarize email attachments with Copilot in classic Outlook for Windows (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

491020

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft is enhancing Copilot in classic Outlook for Windows to summarize email attachments (PDF, Word, PowerPoint) directly in the reading pane. This feature, available by late August 2025, requires no admin action and is on by default. It affects users licensed for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Details:
What and Why:
To help users work more efficiently, Microsoft is enhancing Copilot in classic Outlook for Windows. With this update, Copilot can now summarize not only the body of an email but also the content of attached PDF, Word, and PowerPoint files-directly within the reading pane. This improvement is designed to reduce context switching and help users quickly understand the full scope of an email without opening attachments.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 491020
Rollout Schedule:
Public Preview: Rolling out now, expected to complete by late July 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): Rolling out from mid-July 2025, expected to complete by late August 2025.
Impact on Your Organization:
Who is affected:
Users licensed for Microsoft 365 Copilot and using classic Outlook for Windows.
What will happen:
Users will see Copilot-generated summaries of email body content and supported attachments (PDF, Word, PowerPoint) directly in the reading pane.
The feature is ON by default for all eligible users.
No configuration or admin action is required.
There is no change to existing admin policies or user workflows.
Action Required/Recommendations:
No admin action is required. To prepare:
Ensure users have the appropriate Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing.
Communicate this new capability to users and helpdesk staff.
Update internal documentation if you describe Copilot functionality.
Compliance Considerations:
ConsiderationExplanation
Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes - Copilot now processes and summarizes content from attachments (PDF, Word, PowerPoint), which may include sensitive or regulated data.
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes - This enhancement expands Copilot's generative AI capabilities to include summarization of attachments, increasing the scope of data it interacts with.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Yes - Users can now interact with Copilot to gain insights from attachments without opening them, directly from the reading pane.

Thank you for your feedback. We're actively refining the format of Message center posts based on your input. Please let us know if this updated format improves your understanding of the changes being communicated.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Current Channel, General Availability, Preview

Created:
2025-07-10

updated:
2025-07-10

Public Preview Start Date

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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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Data Processing Changes
Copilot will now process and summarize content from email attachments, which may include sensitive or regulated data, potentially leading to compliance issues if not managed properly.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

User Experience
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not informed about the new summarization feature, leading to potential misuse or misunderstanding of the tool's capabilities.
   - roles: End User, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

AI Interaction Expansion
The enhancement expands the way users interact with generative AI, which may lead to over-reliance on AI for understanding content, potentially diminishing critical thinking skills.
   - roles: End User, IT Trainer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Efficiency through Attachment Summarization
The new Copilot feature allows users to quickly grasp the content of email attachments without needing to open them. This reduces time spent on context switching and increases productivity by enabling faster decision-making.
   - next-steps: Communicate the benefits of this feature to all users and provide training sessions to maximize its utilization.
   - roles: Employees, Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

Improved Compliance Management
As Copilot processes sensitive data from attachments, organizations can leverage this feature to ensure compliance with data handling policies by keeping track of how data is accessed and summarized.
   - next-steps: Review and update compliance policies to incorporate the use of Copilot and ensure staff are trained on data sensitivity and compliance measures.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers, IT Security Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

Streamlined IT Support Operations
With the ability to summarize attachments, helpdesk staff can resolve user queries more efficiently by accessing summarized content directly, potentially reducing the volume of support tickets related to attachment reviews.
   - next-steps: Train helpdesk staff on how to utilize Copilot effectively and create a FAQ section based on common queries regarding attachment summaries.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Managers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=491020

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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