MC1134173 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Source controls for Researcher Agent (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Developer, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, Updated message

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot's Researcher Agent now offers Source Controls, allowing licensed users to select specific sources (Web, Work, Graph entities) for research. Rolling out from late September to October 2025, this feature appears as a button in Copilot apps and requires no admin action.

Details:
Updated September 9, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
We're excited to announce the general availability (GA) of Source Controls for Researcher Agent.
Beginning in late August 2025, users with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses will be able to access Source Controls for the Researcher agent. Previously, Researcher had access to all sources-both work and web (unless blocked)-without user-level controls to narrow the scope. With Source Controls, users can now granularly select which sources Researcher should reason over. Available sources will include Web, Work, and additional options such as Connectors.
This feature will roll out in multiple phases. The initial phase will support Web, Work, and standard Graph entities (such as emails). Connector support will follow in a later phase. Source Controls will respect existing Admin Web settings.
Learn more: Microsoft 365 Copilot connectors overview
When this will happen
General availability: We will begin rolling out late September 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by late October 2025 (previously mid-September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-13

updated:
2025-09-10

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if the new Source Controls feature is rolled out without prior communication or training, leading to potential misuse or underutilization of the feature.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/06/14/the-importance-of-user-experience-in-technology-adoption/

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of Source Controls without preparation may lead to an increase in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-reduce-it-support-tickets-and-improve-user-experience/

Data Mismanagement Risks
Without proper training on the new Source Controls, users may inadvertently select inappropriate sources, leading to potential data mismanagement or compliance issues.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.dataversity.net/the-importance-of-data-governance-in-data-management/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with Source Controls
The introduction of Source Controls allows users to tailor their research to specific sources, enhancing the relevance and quality of information retrieved. This personalization can lead to improved productivity and satisfaction among users who can now focus on the most pertinent data.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions to educate users on how to effectively utilize Source Controls. Gather user feedback to refine the experience and address any challenges faced during the transition.
   - roles: Research Analysts, Project Managers, Content Creators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#block-or-unblock-agents

Streamlined IT Operations through Source Control Management
By allowing users to select specific sources, IT can reduce the burden of managing unnecessary data flows and potential compliance issues, as users will have clearer boundaries on data access. This can streamline IT operations and enhance data governance.
   - next-steps: Review existing data access policies and update them to align with the new Source Controls. Ensure that IT staff are trained on how to monitor and manage these controls effectively.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/graph/connecting-external-content-connectors-overview

Cost Efficiency through Optimized Licensing
With the ability to limit research sources, organizations may find opportunities to optimize their licensing needs by evaluating which users genuinely require access to all data sources versus those who could work effectively with limited access. This could lead to potential cost savings in licensing.
   - next-steps: Analyze current user licenses and data usage patterns to identify potential cost-saving opportunities. Consider adjusting licenses based on the new capabilities of Source Controls.
   - roles: Finance Managers, IT Procurement Officers
   - 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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