check before: 2026-01-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot will enable users to generate and share AI-generated file summaries directly from Windows File Explorer and OneDrive activity center starting January 2026. The feature is enabled by default, requires a Copilot license, and aims to enhance collaboration without needing admin setup.
Details:
Updated January 26, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're bringing the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot directly into your daily file experience in Windows. This new feature enables users to generate summaries of files and share them directly from the share dialog in File Explorer and the OneDrive activity center. This enhancement is designed to streamline collaboration and improve productivity by making it easier to provide context when sharing files.
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this feature.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins in early January 2026 and is expected to complete by end of February 2026 (previously late January).
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2025-11-20
updated:
2026-01-27
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
Pictures
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
Microsoft 365 is introducing a new AI-powered feature called Copilot, available from January 2026, which allows users to create and share file summaries directly from Windows File Explorer and the OneDrive activity center without any administrative setup.
Direct effects for Operations**
AI Processing of Customer Data
The introduction of AI-generated summaries may raise concerns regarding data privacy and compliance, as it involves processing customer content through AI.
- roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/which-copilot-for-your-organization
User Experience with New Features
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they are not adequately informed about the new summary-sharing capability, leading to potential misuse or underutilization of the feature.
- roles: End User, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/which-copilot-for-your-organization
Increased Collaboration Risks
The ease of sharing AI-generated summaries could lead to unintentional sharing of sensitive information, increasing the risk of data leaks.
- roles: Team Leader, Project Manager
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/which-copilot-for-your-organization
Dependency on AI Accuracy
Users may rely heavily on AI-generated summaries, which could lead to misinformation if the AI does not accurately represent the content of the files.
- roles: Content Creator, Business Analyst
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/which-copilot-for-your-organization
Licensing and Access Issues
Organizations may face challenges in managing licenses for Microsoft 365 Copilot, potentially leading to access issues for users who need the feature.
- roles: IT Administrator, Finance Officer
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/which-copilot-for-your-organization
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Data Protection**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
DPIA Draft**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-01-27 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot will enable users to generate and share AI-generated file summaries directly from Windows File Explorer and OneDrive activity center starting January 2026. The feature is enabled by default, requires a Copilot license, and needs no admin setup. It enhances collaboration by providing context when sharing files. | Microsoft 365 Copilot will enable users to generate and share AI-generated file summaries directly from Windows File Explorer and OneDrive activity center starting January 2026. The feature is enabled by default, requires a Copilot license, and aims to enhance collaboration without needing admin setup. |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Last Updated | 11/20/2025 00:33:30 | 2026-01-27T00:35:06Z |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Messages | We're bringing the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot directly into your daily file experience in Windows. This new feature enables users to generate summaries of files and share them directly from the share dialog in File Explorer and the OneDrive activity center. This enhancement is designed to streamline collaboration and improve productivity by making it easier to provide context when sharing files.
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this feature. When this will happen General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins in early January 2026 and is expected to complete by late January 2026. | Updated January 26, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're bringing the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot directly into your daily file experience in Windows. This new feature enables users to generate summaries of files and share them directly from the share dialog in File Explorer and the OneDrive activity center. This enhancement is designed to streamline collaboration and improve productivity by making it easier to provide context when sharing files. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this feature. When this will happen General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins in early January 2026 and is expected to complete by end of February 2026 (previously late January). |
| 2026-01-27 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: Summarize and share OneDrive files in Windows using Copilot | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Summarize and share OneDrive files in Windows using Copilot |
| 2026-01-27 | MC End Time | 03/01/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-03-30T10:00:00Z |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
