MC1185440 – Copilot in Microsoft OneNote for Windows Desktop Update (archived)

Product:

Copilot, OneNote, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting December 12, 2025, OneNote for Windows desktop will update Copilot features to open in the Copilot Chat pane instead of separate windows or direct canvas insertion. This change applies to all users automatically, with no required action, and maintains enterprise grounding and compliance.

Details:
[Introduction]
Starting December 12, 2025, Copilot in Microsoft OneNote for Windows desktop will improve the experience for on-canvas Copilot features. Instead of opening a separate window or inserting content directly on the OneNote canvas, features such as Take Notes with Copilot, Summarize Page, Create a Task List, and Rewrite Page will now open in the Copilot Chat pane. This update enables the latest Copilot Chat capabilities for these features, providing a more consistent and integrated experience.
Previous experience:




New experience:

[When this will happen:]
Rollout begins December 12, 2025 and will apply to all versions of OneNote for Windows desktop.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-11-13

updated:
2025-11-13

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 Experience Change
Users will experience a shift in how they interact with Copilot features, as they will now open in the Copilot Chat pane instead of separate windows or directly on the canvas, potentially leading to confusion and a learning curve.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/copilot-in-microsoft-onenote-for-windows-desktop-update/ba-p/3851230

Loss of Specificity in Prompts
Users will no longer be able to explicitly refer to 'this section' or 'this notebook' in prompts, which may hinder their ability to effectively communicate their needs to Copilot, leading to less efficient task completion.
   - roles: End Users, Product Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/copilot-in-microsoft-onenote-for-windows-desktop-update/ba-p/3851230

Helpdesk Support Demand
The change may lead to an increase in support requests as users adapt to the new interface and functionality, requiring helpdesk staff to be prepared for a higher volume of inquiries.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/copilot-in-microsoft-onenote-for-windows-desktop-update/ba-p/3851230

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience through Integrated Copilot Chat
The transition to the Copilot Chat pane allows users to interact with Copilot features more seamlessly, reducing context switching and enhancing productivity. This integrated experience can lead to better user satisfaction and improved task completion rates.
   - next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize staff with the new Copilot Chat interface and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators, Product Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-october-2023/

Streamlined IT Support and Documentation
With the new Copilot Chat functionality, IT support teams can update internal documentation and training materials to reflect the changes, potentially reducing the volume of support tickets related to user confusion about the interface.
   - next-steps: Review and revise internal support documentation to include the new features and conduct a training session for helpdesk staff to ensure they are prepared to assist users effectively.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Documentation Specialists, Helpdesk Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/onenote-help-2b4a9e3b-2b0b-4a68-9d3b-1c1c7c5e4f3f

Improved Compliance and Governance
The update maintains enterprise grounding and compliance, providing an opportunity for organizations to reinforce their compliance frameworks while leveraging the latest technology, ensuring that data governance policies are upheld.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current compliance policies in relation to the updated features and conduct an audit to ensure that all practices align with organizational standards.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Governance Teams, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/compliance

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you have a personal assistant who helps you organize your tasks and notes. Previously, whenever you asked for help, this assistant would either write directly on your notebook or bring out a separate notepad to jot things down. Starting December 12, 2025, this assistant will instead use a dedicated space on your desk, like a special chat board, to communicate and organize your tasks. This new method keeps everything in one place, making it easier for you to see and manage all the information at once.

This change is happening in Microsoft OneNote for Windows desktop. The Copilot features, which help you take notes, summarize pages, create task lists, and rewrite pages, will now open in a new area called the Copilot Chat pane. Think of it as a centralized spot where all the interactions with your assistant occur, rather than having notes scattered across different areas.

For users, this means a more streamlined and integrated experience without needing to take any action. The update will happen automatically, so there's no need to worry about making changes yourself. If you're responsible for internal documentation or helpdesk support, you might want to inform your team about this update. However, the core functionalities and compliance aspects remain unchanged, ensuring that everything continues to work smoothly and securely.

In essence, this update is like moving from having multiple sticky notes all over your desk to having a single, organized board where everything is clearly visible and easy to manage. It simplifies the process and enhances your ability to interact with the Copilot features in OneNote.