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:
In development
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
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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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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summary for non-techies**
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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 preparation and admin opt-in for advanced features, there may be security vulnerabilities introduced through unregulated access to plugins and connectors, risking data integrity and compliance.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance 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**
Enhanced Customization for User Experience
The introduction of Declarative Agents allows users to customize their Copilot experience with plugins and connectors. This will enable personalized workflows and improve productivity by integrating tools that users frequently utilize.
- next-steps: Encourage users to explore and implement Declarative Agents relevant to their workflows. Provide training sessions to familiarize users with the new customization features and best practices.
- roles: End Users, Productivity Managers, IT Support Teams
- 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
Streamlined IT Management of Agents
Admins can manage agent settings through the Microsoft 365 admin center, allowing for better control over which agents are available to users. This can enhance security and ensure compliance by restricting access to only approved agents.
- next-steps: Review current agent deployments and set up policies for agent approval. Communicate these policies to all users to ensure understanding and compliance.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
- references: 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
Improved Collaboration through Advanced Features
With advanced capabilities requiring admin opt-in, organizations can leverage integrations with SharePoint and Graph connectors, fostering better collaboration across teams and departments.
- next-steps: Evaluate the organization's needs for advanced integrations and prepare a plan for billing setup and opt-in processes. Train relevant staff on how to utilize these advanced features effectively.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481559
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
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-11-03 | MC Last Updated | 10/03/2025 17:39:18 | 2025-11-03T18:12:27Z |
| 2025-11-03 | MC Messages | 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. | 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). |
| 2025-11-03 | MC End Time | 01/16/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-02-27T09:00:00Z |
| 2025-11-03 | MC Summary | 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. | 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. |
| 2025-10-03 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-10-03 | MC Summary | Declarative 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. |
| 2025-10-03 | MC Last Updated | 09/30/2025 01:12:06 | 2025-10-03T17:39:18Z |
| 2025-10-03 | MC 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. |
| 2025-10-03 | MC Title | Microsoft 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 |
| 2025-10-03 | MC How Affect | 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: 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 1 month ago ago
