check before: 2025-12-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows
Platform:
Mac, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces the Explore Pane, a guided side panel in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules to help users navigate AI features. Rolling out worldwide from early to late December 2025, it’s enabled by default for all Commercial SKU users with no admin action needed.
Details:
Updated November 21, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing the Explore Pane, a new side panel in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app designed to help users discover how to use Copilot effectively. This guided experience supports users in building confidence and unlocking the value of AI through contextual, step-by-step journeys across the Create, Search, and Notebooks modules. This enhancement aligns with our goal to make Copilot more approachable and valuable for all users.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rolling out from early December 2025 (previously mid-November), expected to complete by late December 2025 (previously late November).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-11-06
updated:
2025-11-22
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Confusion
The introduction of the Explore Pane without prior preparation may lead to confusion among users who are unfamiliar with the new interface and features, potentially hindering their productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/11/21/introducing-the-explore-pane-in-microsoft-365-copilot/
Increased Support Requests
The lack of preparation and communication regarding the new Explore Pane may result in an increase in support requests from users seeking assistance on how to utilize the new features effectively.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Training Coordinators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/11/21/introducing-the-explore-pane-in-microsoft-365-copilot/
Configutation Options**
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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 |
| 2025-11-22 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact |
| 2025-11-22 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces the Explore Pane, a new side panel offering guided, contextual steps in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules to help users use Copilot effectively. It rolls out worldwide from mid-November 2025, is on by default, and requires no admin action. | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces the Explore Pane, a guided side panel in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules to help users navigate AI features. Rolling out worldwide from early to late December 2025, it’s enabled by default for all Commercial SKU users with no admin action needed. |
| 2025-11-22 | MC Last Updated | 11/06/2025 01:18:37 | 2025-11-21T18:47:45Z |
| 2025-11-22 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
We're introducing the Explore Pane, a new side panel in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app designed to help users discover how to use Copilot effectively. This guided experience supports users in building confidence and unlocking the value of AI through contextual, step-by-step journeys across the Create, Search, and Notebooks modules. This enhancement aligns with our goal to make Copilot more approachable and valuable for all users. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rolling out from mid-November 2025, expected to complete by late November 2025. | Updated November 21, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] We're introducing the Explore Pane, a new side panel in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app designed to help users discover how to use Copilot effectively. This guided experience supports users in building confidence and unlocking the value of AI through contextual, step-by-step journeys across the Create, Search, and Notebooks modules. This enhancement aligns with our goal to make Copilot more approachable and valuable for all users. [When this will happen:] Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rolling out from early December 2025 (previously mid-November), expected to complete by late December 2025 (previously late November). |
| 2025-11-22 | MC Title | Introducing the Explore Pane in Microsoft 365 Copilot | (Updated) Introducing the Explore Pane in Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| 2025-11-22 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: All users of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Web, Windows, and Mac desktop platforms..
What will happen: Users will see a new Explore Pane when navigating to the Create, Search, or Notebooks modules. The pane provides guided, contextual steps to help users get started and find value in each module. The feature is on by default; no admin action is required. | Who is affected: All users of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Web, Windows, and Mac desktop platforms with Commercial SKUs (Starter and Premium).
What will happen: Users will see a new Explore Pane when navigating to the Create, Search, or Notebooks modules. The pane provides guided, contextual steps to help users get started and find value in each module. The feature is on by default; no admin action is required. |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
