check before: 2025-12-15
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Teams
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
In development
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**
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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 as they adapt to the changes without prior preparation.
- 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, overwhelming helpdesk resources.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Search Result Misinterpretation
Users may misinterpret AI-generated summaries, leading to incorrect conclusions or actions based on the summarized content, impacting decision-making processes.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Opt-in Confusion for AI Content
Users may not understand the opt-in process for AI-generated content, leading to inconsistent usage and potential loss of valuable insights from the Copilot feature.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Documentation Gaps
Existing internal documentation may not reflect the new features, leading to misinformation and user errors as they rely on outdated resources.
- roles: IT Documentation Staff, End Users
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Improved User Efficiency
The introduction of the Copilot side pane will allow users to quickly access AI-generated summaries of search results, which can significantly reduce the time spent searching for information across documents and Teams messages. This feature enhances productivity by providing relevant information in a concise format, enabling users to make informed decisions faster.
- next-steps: Conduct training sessions for users to familiarize them with the new Copilot features. Monitor user engagement and gather feedback to optimize the experience further.
- roles: Employees, Team Leaders, Project Managers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Enhanced Collaboration
With the ability to view and interact with summarized content from Teams messages and documents, the Copilot feature promotes better collaboration among team members. Users can easily reference and discuss relevant materials during meetings or in communications, leading to more informed discussions and decisions.
- next-steps: Encourage teams to utilize the Copilot feature in their workflows. Create guidelines on how to effectively use the summaries in collaborative settings.
- roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, Department Heads
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
Streamlined IT Support
The Copilot's AI-generated summaries can reduce the number of repetitive queries to IT support regarding document searches and Teams messages. By empowering users to find information independently, IT staff can focus on more complex issues and strategic initiatives, improving overall IT service delivery.
- next-steps: Prepare helpdesk staff with updated documentation on the Copilot feature. Monitor support ticket trends to assess the impact on IT workload and adjust resources accordingly.
- roles: IT Support Staff, IT Managers, Helpdesk Teams
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=510107
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 3 weeks ago ago
