check before: 2025-11-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot's Read Aloud will enable real-time voice Q&A for en-US users starting January 2026. Copilot subscribers get an interactive experience, while others keep the classic version. No admin action is needed, and users can toggle the feature on or off.
Details:
Updated December 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline. This feature will be enabled for en-US only initially. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
Read Aloud is evolving from a passive listening tool into an interactive experience. By integrating Copilot Q&A, users can now ask questions and refine their understanding of document content in real time-without interrupting their workflow. This enhancement supports accessibility, improves comprehension, and helps users stay focused while gaining insights faster.
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 523205.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early January 2026 (previously late November 2025) and is expected to complete by end of January 2026 (previously late December 2025).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-11-05
updated:
2025-12-04
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
If the new interactive voice-driven Read Aloud feature is enabled without proper user training or communication, users may feel overwhelmed or confused by the sudden change in functionality, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523205
Accessibility Issues
Without preparation, users who rely on the classic Read Aloud functionality may struggle to adapt to the new interactive features, potentially hindering their ability to access content effectively and impacting their overall experience.
- roles: End Users, Accessibility Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=523205
Configutation Options**
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Data Protection**
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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 |
| 2025-12-04 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-12-04 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot enhances Read Aloud with real-time voice Q&A, allowing users to interactively ask questions during document reading. Available worldwide from late November to December 2025, this feature requires a Copilot license and is enabled by default without admin changes. | Microsoft 365 Copilot's Read Aloud will enable real-time voice Q&A for en-US users starting January 2026. Copilot subscribers get an interactive experience, while others keep the classic version. No admin action is needed, and users can toggle the feature on or off. |
| 2025-12-04 | MC Last Updated | 11/05/2025 01:21:17 | 2025-12-03T19:34:50Z |
| 2025-12-04 | MC Messages | [Introduction:]
Read Aloud is evolving from a passive listening tool into an interactive experience. By integrating Copilot Q&A, users can now ask questions and refine their understanding of document content in real time-without interrupting their workflow. This enhancement supports accessibility, improves comprehension, and helps users stay focused while gaining insights faster. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 523205. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late November 2025 and is expected to complete by late December 2025. | Updated December 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline. This feature will be enabled for en-US only initially. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:] Read Aloud is evolving from a passive listening tool into an interactive experience. By integrating Copilot Q&A, users can now ask questions and refine their understanding of document content in real time-without interrupting their workflow. This enhancement supports accessibility, improves comprehension, and helps users stay focused while gaining insights faster. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 523205. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early January 2026 (previously late November 2025) and is expected to complete by end of January 2026 (previously late December 2025). |
| 2025-12-04 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: Q&A in Read Aloud enables real-time voice interactions | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Q&A in Read Aloud enables real-time voice interactions |
| 2025-12-04 | MC End Time | 02/01/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-03-02T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 1 month ago ago
