MC1188225 – (Updated) Microsoft Edge for Business and Microsoft 365 Copilot: Introducing “What’s New” page after major updates

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Entra, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Edge

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

526798

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Edge for Business will introduce a “What’s New” page that opens once after major updates, starting mid-February 2026. It informs users about new Edge and Microsoft 365 Copilot features. The feature is on by default but can be disabled by admins via policy. No prior admin action is required.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline and content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction:]
Microsoft Edge for Business is introducing a "What's New" webpage to inform and educate users about the latest features and enhancements in Edge and Microsoft 365 Copilot. After a major browser version update, this page will automatically open in a new tab the first-time users launch the updated browser. This one-time experience provides an overview of new capabilities, allowing users to explore and try out these features directly or simply close the tab and continue working as usual.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 526798.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January) and is expected to complete by late February 2026 (previously late January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-11-20

updated:
2026-01-14

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
The automatic opening of the 'What's New' page may disrupt users' workflow, especially if they are in the middle of tasks, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526798

Lack of Awareness and Training
Without prior notification or training, users may not understand the new features introduced, leading to underutilization of Microsoft Edge and Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526798

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for Microsoft Edge for Business that aims to keep users informed about the latest updates and features. Imagine it like when you buy a new gadget, and it comes with a quick start guide that highlights all the cool things you can do with it. Similarly, after a major update to the Edge browser, a "What's New" page will automatically open the first time you launch the updated browser. This page acts as a guide, showing you the new features and enhancements available, much like a quick tour of your new gadget's capabilities.

This feature is designed to be helpful and is enabled by default, but if your organization prefers not to have this automatic page pop up, administrators can turn it off using a specific policy setting. Think of it like having the option to skip the tutorial on a new app if you already know your way around.

No immediate action is required from administrators before this feature rolls out, but it's a good idea to review your current settings and let your team know about this change. You might also want to update any internal guides or documentation to reflect this new feature.

This change is expected to be available worldwide by the end of February 2026, and it applies to all users signed in with their Entra ID using Microsoft Edge for Business. The aim is to help users make the most of the new features and improve productivity, much like how a well-explained manual can enhance your experience with a new device.