check before: 2025-12-15
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Teams
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Classic Outlook will gain a Copilot side pane showing AI-generated summaries of search results from documents and Teams messages. Users can interact with and ask follow-up questions in the pane. The feature rolls out mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026, enabled by default for commercial M365 Copilot license holders.
Details:
Updated October 23, 2025: We have updated language surrounding who is impacted for clarity. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing a new Copilot experience in Classic Outlook to help users get more value from their search results. After executing a search, users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane, where they can view a large language model (LLM)-based summary of their results. This includes content from documents, Teams messages, and more. Users can also ask follow-up questions and interact with the content directly in the Copilot pane.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 510107.
When this will happen:
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete rollout by mid-February 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-10-21
updated:
2025-10-24
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**
Microsoft is introducing a Copilot feature in Classic Outlook that provides AI-generated summaries of search results, allowing users to interact and ask follow-up questions, available to those with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license starting mid-December 2025.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Confusion
Users may be confused by the new Copilot side pane and its functionalities, leading to frustration and decreased productivity during the transition period.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of the Copilot feature may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Search Result Overload
Users may be overwhelmed by the volume of AI-generated summaries and follow-up questions, potentially leading to information overload and decision fatigue.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Opt-in Confusion
Users may not understand the opt-in process for AI-generated content, leading to inconsistent usage and missed opportunities for enhanced search results.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Training Needs
The new feature will require additional training for users to effectively utilize the Copilot side pane, which may not be readily available without prior preparation.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
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
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-10-24 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-10-24 | MC Summary | Classic Outlook will gain a Copilot side pane after searches, showing AI-generated summaries from documents and Teams messages. Users can interact and ask follow-up questions. The feature, enabled by default for Microsoft 365 AI SKU users, rolls out from mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026. | Classic Outlook will gain a Copilot side pane showing AI-generated summaries of search results from documents and Teams messages. Users can interact with and ask follow-up questions in the pane. The feature rolls out mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026, enabled by default for commercial M365 Copilot license holders. |
| 2025-10-24 | MC Last Updated | 10/21/2025 01:46:25 | 2025-10-23T23:56:08Z |
| 2025-10-24 | MC Messages | We're introducing a new Copilot experience in Classic Outlook to help users get more value from their search results. After executing a search, users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane, where they can view a large language model (LLM)-based summary of their results. This includes content from documents, Teams messages, and more. Users can also ask follow-up questions and interact with the content directly in the Copilot pane.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 510107. When this will happen: General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete rollout by mid-February 2026. | Updated October 23, 2025: We have updated language surrounding who is impacted for clarity. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing a new Copilot experience in Classic Outlook to help users get more value from their search results. After executing a search, users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane, where they can view a large language model (LLM)-based summary of their results. This includes content from documents, Teams messages, and more. Users can also ask follow-up questions and interact with the content directly in the Copilot pane. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 510107. When this will happen: General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete rollout by mid-February 2026. |
| 2025-10-24 | MC Title | Microsoft Outlook: Enhanced search experience with Copilot in Classic Outlook | (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Enhanced search experience with Copilot in Classic Outlook |
| 2025-10-24 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: Users of Classic Outlook who are licensed with the Microsoft 365 AI SKU.
What will happen: Users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane after they execute a search. The pane will display an LLM-generated summary of search results, including content from documents and Teams messages. Users will be able to ask follow-up questions and interact with the summarized content. The feature will be enabled by default; no admin action will be required to turn it on. AI generation of content within the pane will be opt-in. Screenshot - Copilot pane showing AI-generated summary in Classic Outlook: What you can do to prepare: Confirm that affected users have the required Microsoft 365 AI SKU. Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation if you detail Outlook search functionality. No admin controls are available to disable the feature; however, users must opt in to AI-generated content. Compliance considerations: No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. | Who is affected: Commercial accounts with access to M365 Copilot Licenses.
What will happen: Users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane after they execute a search. The pane will display an LLM-generated summary of search results, including content from documents and Teams messages. Users will be able to ask follow-up questions and interact with the summarized content. The feature will be enabled by default; no admin action will be required to turn it on. AI generation of content within the pane will be opt-in. Screenshot - Copilot pane showing AI-generated summary in Classic Outlook: What you can do to prepare: Confirm that affected users have the required Microsoft 365 AI SKU. Communicate this change to helpdesk staff. Update internal documentation if you detail Outlook search functionality. No admin controls are available to disable the feature; however, users must opt in to AI-generated content. Compliance considerations: No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization. |
Last updated 2 days ago ago
