check before: 2025-10-13
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneNote
Platform:
Developer, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Custom Engine Agents (CEAs) are now available in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, expanding Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility. CEAs run on partner services, appear in the Copilot pane, and allow users to generate and insert content. Full rollout is expected by October 13, 2025, with no admin action required.
Details:
We're expanding Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility in Office apps. Custom Engine Agents (CEAs) are now available in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. CEAs are partner-built agents that run on a developer's service engine and connect into Copilot in Office apps. This release completes support for all Copilot agent types in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, joining Declarative Agents (DAs) already available.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide) is currently available, with full rollout expected by October 13, 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-10-08
updated:
2025-10-08
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the sudden appearance of new Custom Engine Agents (CEAs) in the Copilot pane without prior training or communication, leading to potential misuse or underutilization of the new features.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-custom-engine-agent?source=recommendations
Increased Support Requests
The introduction of CEAs may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek assistance in understanding and utilizing the new features, potentially overwhelming helpdesk resources.
- roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-custom-engine-agent?source=recommendations
Compliance and Data Security Risks
The new CEAs may interact with user data in ways that were not previously accounted for, raising concerns about data security and compliance with regulations, especially in the EU.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/agents-overview
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**
Microsoft has introduced Custom Engine Agents (CEAs) in its suite of Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Think of CEAs as specialized assistants that help you create and insert content, such as text, tables, and images, directly into your documents or presentations. These agents are developed by partners and are integrated into the Microsoft 365 Copilot experience, appearing in a dedicated pane within the apps.
Imagine CEAs as personal chefs in a restaurant kitchen. While the kitchen (your Office app) is already equipped with tools and ingredients (existing features), the chef (CEA) brings in a unique recipe and expertise to create a dish (content) tailored to your taste. Just like how you might ask the chef to prepare a specific meal, you can interact with CEAs to generate the content you need.
These agents are built using Microsoft's AI tools, allowing for a customized experience without replacing the existing functionalities. It's like adding a new chef to the team without changing the roles of the current staff. The rollout of CEAs is automatic for users with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses, meaning there's no need for any administrative setup or changes. However, it's advisable to inform your helpdesk and key users about this new feature to ensure they are aware of the added capabilities.
CEAs respect existing app management policies, which means they will only be available if allowed by your organization's settings. This is similar to how a restaurant might have certain rules about what chefs can cook based on the ingredients available. For those in the EU, CEAs will become available once the underlying Copilot experiences are rolled out.
In summary, CEAs enhance the functionality of Microsoft 365 apps by providing more ways to interact with and generate content, making your work processes more efficient and tailored to your needs.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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