check before: 2025-12-15
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Updated message
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Researcher and Analyst remain available to all M365 Copilot license users even if Copilot agents are disabled in Agents Settings. This update, rolling out from December 15, 2025, affects IT admins managing agent access and requires reviewing access controls and updating documentation accordingly.
Details:
Updated December 4, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Researcher and Analyst are part of the core default experience for M365 Copilot Chat and will now continue to be available to all users with a Copilot license-even when the ability to use Copilot agents is disabled for some or all users in the organization. This change reflects customer feedback and ensures uninterrupted access to foundational productivity tools.
Screenshot 1: Agents Settings for who can access agents in the organization
[When this will happen:]
General Availability begins December 15, 2025 and will begin to rollout over the next few weeks.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-11-13
updated:
2025-12-05
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**
Access Control Confusion
Users may experience confusion regarding the availability of Researcher and Analyst tools, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: IT Admins, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Documentation Inaccuracy
Existing documentation may become outdated, leading to misinformation about agent access and functionality.
- roles: IT Admins, Support Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Increased Helpdesk Queries
Helpdesk teams may face an influx of queries related to the change, impacting their ability to assist with other issues.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
User Experience Disruption
Users may find themselves unable to access expected features, leading to a negative impact on their workflow and satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Business Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Training Needs
There may be a need for additional training for IT staff and users to understand the new access controls and features, which could lead to temporary inefficiencies.
- roles: IT Admins, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Training on Researcher and Analyst Tools
With the decoupling of admin controls for Copilot agents, there is an opportunity to enhance user training on how to effectively utilize the Researcher and Analyst tools available in M365 Copilot Chat. This will empower users to maximize productivity without reliance on agents.
- next-steps: Develop and implement a training program focusing on the functionalities of Researcher and Analyst tools. Schedule training sessions and create user guides or video tutorials.
- roles: IT Admins, Training Coordinators, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Streamlined Access Control Management
The change necessitates a review and potential streamlining of access control management for Copilot agents. IT admins can improve efficiency by automating access control updates and simplifying the process of managing user permissions.
- next-steps: Evaluate current access control processes, identify bottlenecks, and explore automation tools or scripts that can simplify user permission management for Copilot agents.
- roles: IT Admins, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Improved Internal Communication Strategy
The requirement to communicate changes to helpdesk and support teams presents an opportunity to enhance internal communication strategies. Ensuring that all relevant teams are informed can reduce confusion and improve support response times.
- next-steps: Develop a communication plan that includes regular updates about changes in IT services, focusing on the implications of the Copilot agent access changes. Schedule meetings or send newsletters to keep teams informed.
- roles: IT Admins, Helpdesk Managers, Support Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
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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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-12-05 | MC MessageTagNames | Admin impact | Updated message, Admin impact |
| 2025-12-05 | MC Summary | Researcher and Analyst tools in M365 Copilot Chat remain available to all Copilot license users even if Copilot agents are disabled. Admin controls for agent access are decoupled, effective December 15, 2025. Admins should review access settings, update documentation, and inform support teams accordingly. | Researcher and Analyst remain available to all M365 Copilot license users even if Copilot agents are disabled in Agents Settings. This update, rolling out from December 15, 2025, affects IT admins managing agent access and requires reviewing access controls and updating documentation accordingly. |
| 2025-12-05 | MC Last Updated | 11/13/2025 00:46:23 | 2025-12-05T01:21:49Z |
| 2025-12-05 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
Researcher and Analyst are part of the core default experience for M365 Copilot Chat and will now continue to be available to all users with a Copilot license-even when the ability to use Copilot agents is disabled for some or all users in the organization. This change reflects customer feedback and ensures uninterrupted access to foundational productivity tools. Screenshot 1: Agents Settings for who can access agents in the organization [When this will happen:] General Availability begins December 15, 2025. | Updated December 4, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Researcher and Analyst are part of the core default experience for M365 Copilot Chat and will now continue to be available to all users with a Copilot license-even when the ability to use Copilot agents is disabled for some or all users in the organization. This change reflects customer feedback and ensures uninterrupted access to foundational productivity tools. Screenshot 1: Agents Settings for who can access agents in the organization [When this will happen:] General Availability begins December 15, 2025 and will begin to rollout over the next few weeks. |
| 2025-12-05 | MC Title | Decoupling admin controls for agents on/off from Researcher and Analyst | (Updated) Decoupling admin controls for agents on/off from Researcher and Analyst |
| 2025-12-05 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: IT Admins that manage Copilot agent access in M365 Copilot Chat and M365 Copilot licensed users.
What will happen: Researcher and Analyst will remain accessible in M365 Copilot Chat via tools and @mention, even when Copilot agents are disabled in Agents Settings for some or all users. When No users or Specific users/groups is selected in Agents Settings, Researcher and Analyst will not appear in the left navigation of M365 Copilot Chat for those users. Existing admin controls to block Researcher and Analyst will continue to function as expected as set by the admin in the Agent inventory. Screenshot 2: Agent inventory | Who is affected: IT Admins that manage Copilot agent access in M365 Copilot Chat and M365 Copilot licensed users.
What will happen: Researcher and Analyst will remain accessible in M365 Copilot Chat via tools, even when Copilot agents are disabled in Agents Settings for some or all users. When No users or Specific users/groups is selected in Agents Settings, Researcher and Analyst will not appear in the left navigation of M365 Copilot Chat for those users or @mention. Existing admin controls to block Researcher and Analyst agents will continue to function as expected as set by the admin in the Agent inventory. Screenshot 2: Agent inventory |
Last updated 1 month ago ago
