MC1162288 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat coming to classic Outlook for Windows (archived)

Microsoft Exchange Logo

check before: 2025-10-01

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Power Platform, SharePoint, Windows

Platform:

Developer, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

481559

Details:

Summary:
Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat will be available in classic Outlook for Windows starting January 2026, enabling users to customize Copilot with plugins and connectors. Enabled by default for Copilot license holders, admins can manage agent settings via the Microsoft 365 admin center. Advanced features require admin opt-in and billing setup.

Details:
Updated November 3, 2025: We are making additional fixes which will delay this release. Our updated plan is to make this feature available by end January, 2026. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To enhance the extensibility of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we're introducing support for Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows. Declarative Agents will be available for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) and Microsoft 365 Copilot users (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license). Declarative Agents allow users to customize their Copilot experience by integrating plugins, enterprise connectors, and orchestration logic. This update aligns classic Outlook with other Copilot Chat experiences, delivering consistent agent capabilities across platforms.
This update is tracked under Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481559.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early January 2026 (previously late October 2025) and expect to complete by end of January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Current Channel

Created:
2025-09-30

updated:
2025-11-03

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat for classic Outlook on Windows, allowing users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to customize their email experience with plugins and connectors, while IT admins manage these agents through the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion and frustration due to the introduction of new features without prior training or communication, leading to decreased productivity as they navigate the new interface and functionalities.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481559, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Increased Support Tickets
The rollout of Declarative Agents may lead to an influx of support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new features, overwhelming the helpdesk and delaying response times.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481559 " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481559

Potential Security Risks
Without proper admin opt-in and configuration, the introduction of new agents could expose the organization to security vulnerabilities, especially if advanced capabilities are enabled without adequate oversight.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Security Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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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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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

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change history

DatePropertyoldnew
2025-11-03MC Last Updated10/03/2025 17:39:182025-11-03T18:12:27Z
2025-11-03MC MessagesUpdated October 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To enhance the extensibility of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we're introducing support for Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows. Declarative Agents will be available for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) and Microsoft 365 Copilot users (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license). Declarative Agents allow users to customize their Copilot experience by integrating plugins, enterprise connectors, and orchestration logic. This update aligns classic Outlook with other Copilot Chat experiences, delivering consistent agent capabilities across platforms.
This update is tracked under Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481559.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late October 2025 and expect to complete by mid-December 2025.
Updated November 3, 2025: We are making additional fixes which will delay this release. Our updated plan is to make this feature available by end January, 2026. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To enhance the extensibility of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we're introducing support for Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows. Declarative Agents will be available for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) and Microsoft 365 Copilot users (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license). Declarative Agents allow users to customize their Copilot experience by integrating plugins, enterprise connectors, and orchestration logic. This update aligns classic Outlook with other Copilot Chat experiences, delivering consistent agent capabilities across platforms.
This update is tracked under Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481559.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early January 2026 (previously late October 2025) and expect to complete by end of January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025).
2025-11-03MC End Time01/16/2026 09:00:002026-02-27T09:00:00Z
2025-11-03MC SummaryDeclarative Agents in Copilot Chat will be available in classic Outlook for Windows starting late October 2025, enabling users to customize their experience with plugins and connectors. Enabled by default for Copilot license holders, admins can manage agent settings via the Microsoft 365 admin center.Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat will be available in classic Outlook for Windows starting January 2026, enabling users to customize Copilot with plugins and connectors. Enabled by default for Copilot license holders, admins can manage agent settings via the Microsoft 365 admin center. Advanced features require admin opt-in and billing setup.
2025-10-03MC MessageTagNamesNew feature, User impact, Admin impactUpdated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact
2025-10-03MC SummaryDeclarative Agents will be added to Copilot Chat in classic Outlook for Windows starting late October 2025, enabling customizable plugins and connectors. Enabled by default for Copilot license tenants, admins can manage agents via Microsoft 365 admin center. Advanced features require admin opt-in and billing setup.Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat will be available in classic Outlook for Windows starting late October 2025, enabling users to customize their experience with plugins and connectors. Enabled by default for Copilot license holders, admins can manage agent settings via the Microsoft 365 admin center.
2025-10-03MC Last Updated09/30/2025 01:12:062025-10-03T17:39:18Z
2025-10-03MC Messages[Introduction:]
To enhance the extensibility of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we're introducing support for Declarative Agents in Biz Chat and Biz Chat Starter within classic Outlook for Windows. Declarative Agents allow users to customize their Copilot experience by integrating plugins, enterprise connectors, and orchestration logic. This update aligns classic Outlook with other Copilot Chat experiences, delivering consistent agent capabilities across platforms.
This update is tracked under Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481559.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late October 2025 and expect to complete by mid-December 2025.
Updated October 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
To enhance the extensibility of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we're introducing support for Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows. Declarative Agents will be available for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) and Microsoft 365 Copilot users (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license). Declarative Agents allow users to customize their Copilot experience by integrating plugins, enterprise connectors, and orchestration logic. This update aligns classic Outlook with other Copilot Chat experiences, delivering consistent agent capabilities across platforms.
This update is tracked under Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481559.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late October 2025 and expect to complete by mid-December 2025.
2025-10-03MC TitleMicrosoft Outlook: Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat coming to classic Outlook for Windows(Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat coming to classic Outlook for Windows
2025-10-03MC How AffectWho is affected:
Organizations using classic Outlook for Windows with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
Admins managing Copilot extensibility and agent deployment
What will happen:
Declarative Agents will be available in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows
Users will see a right-side panel in Outlook showing:
Agents previously installed by the user
Agents deployed by the admin
Entry points to browse agents in the app store
Option to create a new agent
Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat are enabled by default for Microsoft 365 tenants with Copilot licenses
No admin opt-in is required to use agents in Copilot Chat
Advanced agent capabilities (access to SharePoint or Graph connectors) require explicit admin opt-in and billing setup
Admins can manage agents through the Integrated apps section of the Microsoft 365 admin center, including:
Enabling or disabling Declarative Agents for the organization
Assigning access to specific users or groups
Blocking or removing agents from the organizational catalog
Managing agent visibility and availability
Licensing tiers:
Copilot Chat (Mainline): Requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Users get full access to Declarative Agents, including those integrated with plugins, enterprise connectors, and advanced orchestration features
Copilot Chat Starter: Designed for non-AI SKU users (users without the Copilot license). These users can still access Copilot Chat and build knowledge-only Declarative Agents, but with limited capabilities
Who is affected:
Organizations using classic Outlook for Windows with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
Admins managing Copilot extensibility and agent deployment
What will happen:
Declarative Agents will be available in Copilot Chat within classic Outlook for Windows
Users will see a right-side panel in Outlook showing:
Agents previously installed by the user
Agents deployed by the admin
Entry points to browse agents in the app store
Option to create a new agent
Declarative Agents in Copilot Chat are enabled by default for Microsoft 365 tenants with Copilot licenses
No admin opt-in is required to use agents in Copilot Chat
Advanced agent capabilities (access to SharePoint or Graph connectors) require explicit admin opt-in and billing setup
Admins can manage agents through the Integrated apps section of the Microsoft 365 admin center, including:
Enabling or disabling Declarative Agents for the organization
Assigning access to specific users or groups
Blocking or removing agents from the organizational catalog
Managing agent visibility and availability
Licensing tiers:
Microsoft 365 Copilot: Requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Users get full access to Declarative Agents, including those integrated with plugins, enterprise connectors, and advanced orchestration features
Copilot Chat: Designed for users without the Copilot license. These users can still access Copilot Chat and build knowledge-only Declarative Agents, but with limited capabilities

Last updated 2 weeks ago ago

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