check before: 2025-08-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 suite, OneNote, Outlook, Teams
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Outlook Copilot Chat interface is updated with the navigation pane moved from right to left, aligning with other Microsoft 365 apps. It includes access to agents, conversation history, and a new All Conversations page. The rollout begins mid-August 2025, requires no admin action, and aims to improve usability.
Details:
Introduction
We're updating the user interface for Copilot Chat in Outlook to improve usability and streamline navigation. The navigation pane will move from the right side to the left, aligning with layout patterns across Microsoft 365 apps. This update maintains access to agents and conversation history while introducing a new All Conversations page for a comprehensive view of chat history.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins mid-August 2025 and is expected to complete by mid-August 2025
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-08-20
updated:
2025-08-20
Task Type
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Interface Change
The navigation pane's relocation may confuse users accustomed to the previous layout, leading to initial productivity loss as they adapt to the new interface.
- roles: End Users, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/01/whats-new-in-outlook-copilot-chat/
Increased Help Desk Inquiries
Without prior user notification, the change may result in an increase in help desk inquiries as users seek assistance in navigating the new interface.
- roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/01/whats-new-in-outlook-copilot-chat/
Adjustment Period
Users may experience a temporary decline in efficiency as they familiarize themselves with the new layout, impacting overall productivity during the transition.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/01/whats-new-in-outlook-copilot-chat/
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft Outlook is getting a new look for its Copilot Chat feature, and it's a bit like rearranging the furniture in your living room to make it more comfortable and familiar. Imagine you have a favorite chair that you've always kept on the right side of the room, but you notice that most of your other furniture, like the couch and coffee table, are on the left. To make everything feel more cohesive and easier to navigate, you decide to move the chair to the left side. That's essentially what's happening with the Copilot Chat interface in Outlook.
Previously, the navigation pane for Copilot Chat was on the right side of the screen. Now, it's moving to the left, which is where you'll find similar navigation tools in other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and OneNote. This change is designed to make it easier for users to find what they need without having to think too much about where to look. It's like having all your favorite books on the same shelf instead of scattered around the house.
The updated interface will still provide access to Copilot agents, which are like your virtual assistants, ready to help you with tasks. You'll also have a list of recent conversations, much like a call log on your phone, so you can quickly pick up where you left off. Plus, there's a new All Conversations page that acts like a digital filing cabinet, allowing you to search and filter through past interactions.
This update is set to roll out in mid-August 2025 and doesn't require any action from administrators. It's designed to be a seamless transition, although users might need a little time to get used to the new layout. The goal is to make your experience more consistent and efficient across all Microsoft 365 apps, reducing the mental effort needed to switch between them.
Overall, it's a small change that aims to make a big difference in how easily you can navigate and use the tools at your disposal. Just like moving that chair, it might take a moment to adjust, but soon enough, it will feel like it was always meant to be there.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 5 months ago ago
