check before: 2025-09-24
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Copilot Studio now offer Anthropic models (Claude Opus 4.1 and Sonnet 4) alongside OpenAI models. Admin opt-in is required, with rollout starting September 24, 2025. Anthropic models are in preview, hosted externally, and governed by Anthropic's terms, not Microsoft's.
Details:
Introduction:
We're expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Microsoft Copilot Studio to include Anthropic models. You can read more about this announcement in our blog: Expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
This update gives organizations more flexibility to tailor AI experiences to their needs. Researcher can now be powered by either OpenAI's deep reasoning models or Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.1. Claude in Researcher is rolling out today via the Frontier Program to Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers who opt in. In Copilot Studio, Claude Opus 4.1 and Sonnet 4 models are now available as optional model options in addition to existing options from OpenAI. Makers with Microsoft Copilot Studio licenses who opt in can now experiment with creating custom agents using Claude. Claude models in Microsoft Copilot Studio are currently in preview and not intended for production use.
When this will happen:
Rollout begins September 24, 2025. Admin opt-in required.
Claude Opus 4.1 in Researcher is available today via the Frontier Program.
Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 in Copilot Studio are in preview.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2025-09-24
updated:
2025-09-24
Task Type
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Docu to Check
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS How does it affect me
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Preperations
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Urgency
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS workload name
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Direct effects for Operations**
Data Compliance Risks
Using Anthropic models means data is processed outside Microsoft's compliance and audit boundaries, potentially leading to data privacy issues and non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR.
- roles: IT Admin, Compliance Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models, https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/allow-llm-generative-responses
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/allow-llm-generative-responses
User Experience Disruption
If admins do not opt-in for the new models, users will not have access to the enhanced capabilities of Anthropic models, leading to a lack of feature parity and potential frustration.
- roles: End User, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/?p=279051, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio/authoring-select-external-response-model
Increased Management Complexity
The introduction of new models requires additional management controls in the Microsoft admin center, which may overwhelm admins and lead to misconfigurations if not properly prepared.
- roles: IT Admin, Project Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/allow-llm-generative-responses, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
Enhanced Customization of AI Models
With the introduction of Anthropic models, organizations can tailor AI experiences more closely to their specific needs, potentially leading to improved user satisfaction and productivity. By allowing admins to choose between different AI models, teams can select the most suitable option for their tasks, enhancing the overall effectiveness of Microsoft 365 Copilot tools.
- next-steps: Conduct a needs assessment with key stakeholders to identify which model (OpenAI or Anthropic) aligns best with organizational goals. Prepare a communication plan to inform users about the new options and how to access them once the opt-in is available.
- roles: IT Administrators, Product Managers, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/?p=279051
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/?p=279051
Improved Compliance and Data Governance
While using Anthropic models introduces external data processing, organizations can leverage this opportunity to revisit their data governance policies. This is crucial for compliance with data protection regulations, as using external models may require additional safeguards and transparency regarding data handling practices.
- next-steps: Review and update data governance policies to include considerations for using external AI models. Engage legal and compliance teams to ensure that all aspects of data processing are covered and compliant with relevant regulations.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers, IT Security Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio/authoring-select-external-response-model, https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/admin/allow-llm-generative-responses
Enhanced User Training and Support
The introduction of new AI models requires that users understand how to leverage these tools effectively. By developing targeted training sessions and support resources, organizations can ensure that users are well-equipped to utilize the capabilities of both OpenAI and Anthropic models, thus maximizing the return on investment in these technologies.
- next-steps: Create a training program that covers the features and benefits of both AI models. Schedule workshops and develop online resources that users can access for ongoing support as they adapt to the new functionalities.
- roles: Training Coordinators, HR Managers, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/?p=279051, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Data Protection**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
DPIA Draft**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
Last updated 4 months ago ago
