check before: 2025-10-30
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces Researcher with Computer Use, enabling secure interaction with public and gated web content via a virtual computer. Launching October 30, 2025, it requires a Copilot license, allows advanced content generation, and is admin-configurable with default enabled status.
Details:
Introduction:
We're introducing Researcher with Computer Use in Microsoft 365 Copilot-a powerful extension that enables users to interact with public, gated, and interactive web content using a secure virtual computer. This enhancement helps users uncover deeper insights, take action, and generate richer reports grounded in both their work data and the web.
When this will happen:
Rollout begins October 30, 2025, for all tenants with Frontier access.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-10-30
updated:
2025-10-30
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Access to Gated Content
Without preparation, users may face difficulties accessing gated web content due to lack of proper licensing or configuration, leading to frustration and reduced productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent-computer-use-faq, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-researcher-with-computer-use-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4464766
Increased Helpdesk Load
The introduction of new features without prior communication and training may lead to an increase in helpdesk queries as users encounter issues or confusion regarding the new functionalities.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-researcher-with-computer-use-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4464766
Compliance Risks
If the feature is enabled without proper configuration, it may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or non-compliance with data protection regulations, as users can interact with external content.
- roles: Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent-computer-use, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent-computer-use-faq
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Data Utilization
The Researcher with Computer Use feature allows users to combine internal business data with external web content, facilitating richer insights and more comprehensive reports. This could significantly enhance decision-making processes across departments.
- next-steps: Identify key departments that would benefit from enhanced reporting capabilities. Train users on how to effectively utilize the new features to integrate web content with their existing data.
- roles: Data Analysts, Project Managers, Business Intelligence Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-researcher-with-computer-use-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4464766
Improved Collaboration and Reporting
With the ability to generate rich artifacts such as presentations and spreadsheets directly from the Copilot interface, teams can collaborate more effectively and produce high-quality reports faster, reducing time spent on manual report generation.
- next-steps: Organize workshops to demonstrate the new capabilities and establish best practices for report generation and collaboration among teams.
- roles: Marketing Teams, Sales Teams, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent-computer-use, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent
Streamlined IT Administration
The admin-configurable settings allow for precise control over user access to web content, which can enhance security and compliance while simplifying IT management of user permissions and access rights.
- next-steps: Review current user access policies and update them to incorporate the new configuration options available in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Train IT staff on managing these settings effectively.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Security Teams
- references: https://admin.microsoft.com/, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/researcher-agent-computer-use-faq
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 365 Copilot is rolling out a new feature called Researcher with Computer Use, which allows users to interact with web content securely through a virtual computer. Think of it like having a special, secure browser within your Microsoft 365 environment that lets you explore both public and restricted web content. This feature is set to launch on October 30, 2025, and will be available to users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Imagine you have a library card that gives you access to not only the public library but also private collections that require special permission. Similarly, this new feature lets users access premium web content that might need login credentials or special access. Users can perform tasks like clicking, typing, and navigating directly from the Copilot interface, making it easier to gather information and create detailed reports.
For managers and HR staff, this means that employees can now generate more comprehensive reports and presentations by combining their work data with information from the web. It's like giving them a more powerful toolset to build richer and more informed documents.
Admins have control over this feature and can manage who gets access to it. They can specify which websites are allowed and configure work access settings. It's like setting up the rules for who can enter certain rooms in a building and what they can do once inside.
The feature is enabled by default, but admins can adjust settings as needed. Users themselves cannot turn this feature on or off; it's managed at the admin level. This ensures that the organization maintains control over how and when this powerful tool is used.
In summary, Researcher with Computer Use in Microsoft 365 Copilot is like giving your team a secure, virtual research assistant that can access a wide range of information to help them do their jobs better. Admins will need to ensure that eligible users have the necessary licenses and configure access settings appropriately.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 1 day ago ago
