MC1187387 – (Updated) New features coming to Copilot Notebooks for Frontier users

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneNote, SharePoint, Windows

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

516042

Details:

Summary:
New features for Copilot Notebooks in M365 Copilot apps will roll out from November 2025 to March 2026, enhancing navigation, personalization, and AI capabilities. Updates include a streamlined interface, personalized suggestions, an overview page, and expanded reference types. No admin action is needed; features enable by default.

Details:
Updated January 6, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing new features to the Copilot Notebooks module in the following apps:
M365 Copilot App for Desktop (Windows and macOS)
M365 Copilot App for Web
OneNote Win32 (Insiders/Beta ring)
These updates make it easier for users to onboard and find value within Copilot Notebooks by improving navigation, personalization, and AI capabilities.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 516042.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: Rollout begins mid-November 2025 and is expected to complete by mid-December.
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins early February 2026 (previously early January) and is expected to complete by end of March 2026 (previously mid-February).

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2025-11-18

updated:
2026-01-07

Public Preview Start Date

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Changes
Users may struggle to adapt to the new streamlined interface and navigation pane, leading to confusion and decreased productivity during the transition period.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=516042

Personalized Suggestions
The introduction of personalized suggestions may overwhelm users who are not familiar with the new AI capabilities, potentially leading to frustration and misuse of features.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=516042

Helpdesk Preparedness
Helpdesk staff may be unprepared for an influx of user inquiries regarding the new features, leading to longer response times and user dissatisfaction.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=516042

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training and Support
With the introduction of new features in Copilot Notebooks, there is an opportunity to enhance user training and support resources. This can include creating tailored training sessions and materials that highlight the new features, ensuring users can fully leverage the capabilities of the updated interface and AI functionalities.
   - next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule training sessions for users, focusing on the new features of Copilot Notebooks. Involve the IT training team to facilitate these sessions.
   - roles: IT Support, Training Coordinators, Department Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06

Improved Documentation and Knowledge Base
As new features roll out, updating internal documentation and knowledge bases will be crucial. This will ensure that users have access to the latest information regarding the functionalities of Copilot Notebooks, thus improving user experience and reducing helpdesk queries.
   - next-steps: Review and update existing documentation to include details about the new features of Copilot Notebooks. Ensure that the updated documentation is easily accessible to all users.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Helpdesk Staff, Content Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=516042

Feedback Mechanism for Continuous Improvement
Implementing a feedback mechanism for users to share their experiences with the new features can lead to continuous improvement of IT services. This feedback can be used to identify pain points and areas for further enhancement in the user experience.
   - next-steps: Create a feedback form or survey to gather user experiences and suggestions regarding the new Copilot Notebooks features. Analyze the feedback regularly and use it to inform future IT improvements.
   - roles: Product Managers, User Experience Researchers, IT Leadership
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your favorite notebook, the one you use to jot down important notes and ideas. Now, imagine if that notebook could not only organize itself but also suggest new ideas based on what you've written before. That's essentially what's happening with the new updates to Copilot Notebooks in Microsoft 365.

These updates are like giving your digital notebook a smart assistant. First, there's a new streamlined interface. Think of it as rearranging your desk so everything you need is within easy reach. The navigation pane is always visible, making it easier to move around your notes, and there's a chat feature on the side, much like having a colleague ready to brainstorm with you at any moment.

Next, the system will offer personalized suggestions. It's like having a personal librarian who knows exactly what you're working on and brings you the right books and articles without you asking. These suggestions are based on your recent projects and files, helping you find relevant information faster.

There's also an overview page that acts like a summary of your notebook. Imagine if your notebook could give you a quick recap of everything important whenever you needed it. This page updates itself as you add new information, ensuring you always have the latest insights at your fingertips.

The AI capabilities are expanding too. Now, your notebook can reference more types of information, like SharePoint folders and OneNote notebooks. It's similar to being able to pull in information from different sources on your bookshelf, making your notebook a central hub for all your data.

These features will be automatically available to users with an M365 Copilot license, starting in November 2025. There's no need for any technical setup; it's like getting a software update on your phone that happens in the background while you continue with your day.

In summary, these updates are designed to make your digital notebook smarter and more intuitive, helping you work more efficiently and effectively.