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**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 1 month ago ago
