check before: 2025-09-15
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook
Platform:
Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in the prompt box, enhancing response relevance. Email access is limited to Outlook. Rollout begins October 2025, completing by January 2026. No admin action is needed; users see only accessible content.
Details:
Updated December 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. Thank you for your patience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly.
Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377.
When this will happen:
Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112)
Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by end of January 2026 (previously late November 2025). Roadmap ID 500377.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-08-22
updated:
2025-12-18
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**
Access to Emails in Copilot Chat
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they attempt to access emails in Copilot Chat without understanding the new functionality, leading to potential inefficiencies in their workflow.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/using-context-iq-to-refer-to-specific-files-people-and-more-in-microsoft-365-copilot-272ac2c1-c5f7-49c9-8a42-2a8a87846fa0, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=500377
Increased Complexity in Prompt Creation
The introduction of new ways to include files and emails may overwhelm users unfamiliar with the feature, leading to a decrease in productivity as they learn to navigate the changes.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/using-context-iq-to-refer-to-specific-files-people-and-more-in-microsoft-365-copilot-and-copilot-chat-272ac2c1-c5f7-49c9-8a42-2a8a87846fa0, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?id=500377
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Data Protection**
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explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is introducing a new feature that allows users to include files and emails directly in their prompts by typing '/' in the prompt box. This change aims to make it easier for users to reference relevant content, enhancing the quality and relevance of responses from Copilot. Think of it like having a personal assistant who can quickly fetch the documents or emails you need to discuss during a meeting, without you having to sift through piles of paperwork.
The rollout for this feature will begin in October 2025 and is expected to be completed by January 2026. It will be available specifically in Outlook, meaning users can access their emails through Copilot Chat when using Outlook's full app or side pane. This feature will not require any administrative changes or actions, as it will automatically integrate with the existing permissions and settings.
For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, the chat function remains available on the web, but they can still include files and emails in their prompts using the same method. It's similar to having a digital filing cabinet that only shows you the files you're allowed to see, based on your past interactions and permissions.
This update is designed to improve how users interact with generative AI by making it easier to include specific data types in their prompts. It's like having a conversation with someone who already knows the context of your work, allowing for more meaningful and accurate responses.
Overall, this change will streamline the process of creating prompts and improve the relevance of Copilot's responses, making it a more effective tool for users.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-12-18 | MC Last Updated | 11/08/2025 00:36:37 | 2025-12-17T21:38:25Z |
| 2025-12-18 | MC Messages | Updated November 7, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. Thank you for your patience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by late November 2025 (previously late October). Roadmap ID 500377. | Updated December 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. Thank you for your patience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by end of January 2026 (previously late November 2025). Roadmap ID 500377. |
| 2025-12-18 | MC End Time | 12/22/2025 09:00:00 | 2026-03-02T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-12-18 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in Outlook, enhancing prompt relevance and usability. Email access rollout is from October to November 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in the prompt box, enhancing response relevance. Email access is limited to Outlook. Rollout begins October 2025, completing by January 2026. No admin action is needed; users see only accessible content. |
| 2025-11-08 | MC Last Updated | 09/24/2025 18:46:20 | 2025-11-08T00:36:37Z |
| 2025-11-08 | MC Messages | Updated September 24, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Updated September 5, 2025: Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by late October 2025 (previously late September). Roadmap ID 500377. | Updated November 7, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. Thank you for your patience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by late November 2025 (previously late October). Roadmap ID 500377. |
| 2025-11-08 | MC End Time | 11/17/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-12-22T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-11-08 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in the prompt box, enhancing relevance and usability. Email access in Outlook starts rolling out in October 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in Outlook, enhancing prompt relevance and usability. Email access rollout is from October to November 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. |
| 2025-09-24 | MC Messages | Updated September 5, 2025: Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins mid-September 2025 and completes by late September 2025 (Roadmap ID 500377). | Updated September 24, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Updated September 5, 2025: Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience. We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins early October 2025 (previously mid-September) and completes by late October 2025 (previously late September). Roadmap ID 500377. |
| 2025-09-24 | MC Last Updated | 09/05/2025 21:03:59 | 2025-09-24T18:46:20Z |
| 2025-09-24 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in Outlook, enhancing prompt relevance and usability. Email access rolls out mid to late September 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in the prompt box, enhancing relevance and usability. Email access in Outlook starts rolling out in October 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. |
| 2025-09-06 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users quickly include files and emails in prompts by typing ‘/’ to search and reference content, enhancing response relevance. Email integration rolls out by late September 2025. No admin action is needed, and users only access content they have permission to view. | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now lets users include files and emails in prompts by typing '/' in Outlook, enhancing prompt relevance and usability. Email access rolls out mid to late September 2025. No admin action is needed; users see only content they have permission to access. |
| 2025-09-06 | MC Last Updated | 08/22/2025 02:06:56 | 2025-09-05T21:03:59Z |
| 2025-09-06 | MC Messages | We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly.
Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins mid-September 2025 and completes by late September 2025 (Roadmap ID 500377) | Updated September 5, 2025: Access to emails by typing '/' in the prompt box will only be available when using Copilot Chat in Outlook. This applies to both the full app and side pane experience.
We're enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat with new capabilities that make it easier for users to include work content-such as files and emails-in their prompts. By typing '/' in the prompt box, users can quickly search and reference relevant files or emails, streamlining prompt creation and improving Copilot responses. Additionally, some suggested prompts beneath the input box will now include relevant files or emails to help users get started quickly. Note: For users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat is still grounded only in the web. Users can also choose to include additional content in the prompt for Copilot to reason over, such as with the methods described above. Chat is not automatically grounded in the organization's graph or the user's personal graph - this is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license when using Chat in Work scope. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500377. When this will happen: Files: Currently available (Roadmap ID 497112) Emails: Rollout begins mid-September 2025 and completes by late September 2025 (Roadmap ID 500377). |
| 2025-09-06 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat: New ways to include files and emails in prompts | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat: New ways to include files and emails in prompts |
| 2025-09-06 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
