check before: 2025-11-15
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Rolling out
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors allowing users to securely access live data from apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins control these via the Microsoft 365 admin center, reviewing and managing connectors before user rollout starting February 9, 2026. A Copilot license is required.
Details:
Updated February 5, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
This feature will be available on the web platform.
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585.
When this will happen:
Public Preview: Rollout will begin February 9, 2026 (previously January 12).
Targeted Release: Rollout will begin mid-February 2026.
DateActivity
Feb 9th onwardsAdmin Experience get rolled out. As soon as Admins see federated Copilot connectors they review them. These will be toggled on but not yet visible to end-users. Admins can leave them as it or stage them or disable them.
Feb 16th onwardsUser Experience rollout starts, honoring Admin actions taken.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Preview, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-11-20
updated:
2026-02-06
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft 365 Copilot is introducing federated connectors, allowing users to access live data from external apps like Notion and Canva within the Copilot experience, with admins managing these connectors through the Microsoft 365 admin center, and the feature will start rolling out to admins on February 9, 2026.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
If federated connectors are rolled out without proper admin review, users may encounter irrelevant or non-compliant data sources, leading to confusion and inefficiency in their workflows.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=501585
Data Compliance Risks
Unreviewed connectors may expose sensitive data or violate compliance policies, resulting in potential data breaches or regulatory penalties.
- roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=501585
Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of new connectors without preparation may lead to a surge in support requests from users facing issues or confusion regarding the new features.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Team
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=501585
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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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 |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Last Updated | 01/12/2026 18:50:18 | 2026-02-05T18:20:32Z |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Messages | Updated January 12, 2026: We have updated the content and timelines. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). DateActivity Jan 12th to Jan 21stAdmin Experience get rolled out. As soon as Admins see federated Copilot connectors they review them. These will be toggled on but not yet visible to end-users. Admins can leave them as it or stage them or disable them. Jan 22nd to Jan 28thAdditional time buffer for Admins to review federated connectors and take action as needed Jan 29th OnwardsUser Experience rollout starts, honoring Admin actions taken. | Updated February 5, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin February 9, 2026 (previously January 12). Targeted Release: Rollout will begin mid-February 2026. DateActivity Feb 9th onwardsAdmin Experience get rolled out. As soon as Admins see federated Copilot connectors they review them. These will be toggled on but not yet visible to end-users. Admins can leave them as it or stage them or disable them. Feb 16th onwardsUser Experience rollout starts, honoring Admin actions taken. |
| 2026-02-06 | MC End Time | 03/06/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-03-30T10:00:00Z |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors enabling real-time access to external apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins manage these via the Microsoft 365 admin center with control over rollout and compliance. Public preview starts January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license. | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors allowing users to securely access live data from apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins control these via the Microsoft 365 admin center, reviewing and managing connectors before user rollout starting February 9, 2026. A Copilot license is required. |
| 2026-01-13 | MC Messages | Updated December 11, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). | Updated January 12, 2026: We have updated the content and timelines. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). DateActivity Jan 12th to Jan 21stAdmin Experience get rolled out. As soon as Admins see federated Copilot connectors they review them. These will be toggled on but not yet visible to end-users. Admins can leave them as it or stage them or disable them. Jan 22nd to Jan 28thAdditional time buffer for Admins to review federated connectors and take action as needed Jan 29th OnwardsUser Experience rollout starts, honoring Admin actions taken. |
| 2026-01-13 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: All tenants using Microsoft 365 Copilot with access to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What will happen: End users will be able to connect to Microsoft-published federated connectors (such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion) directly within Copilot experiences to search or fetch live data. Admins will have visibility and control from the Copilot > Connectors section, where they can View all default Federated copilot connectors enabled by Microsoft. Disable any connectors that are not relevant or compliant for their organization. Use staged rollout to enable these connectors for a limited group of users Admin can also create and manage custom MCP based federated copilot connectors for internal or specialized data sources using an MCP endpoint. Screenshot 1 - Admin experience: Screenshot 2 - User experience: What you can do to prepare: Review the list of default connectors that will appear in your tenant under Copilot > Connectors > Your Connections. List includes: Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion and more. You can find them with type 'MCP' Ensure all available connectors align with your organization's data and compliance policies. Disable any that do not meet requirements directly from the admin center. For custom connectors, configure your MCP endpoints with the required tools (search and fetch) and proper authentication (OAuth2). Communicate this change to helpdesk staff and update internal documentation as needed. Compliance considerations: QuestionAnswer Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes. Federated connectors allow Copilot to fetch live data using user credentials, introducing new real-time AI interactions. Does the change add any integration to 3rd party software products, and if so what?Yes. It enables connections to external apps such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts. Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Yes. Admins can manage connector availability and rollout via the Microsoft 365 admin center, and staged rollout can be configured using Entra ID group membership. Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Yes. Users can connect or disconnect federated connectors within Copilot experiences. | Who is affected: All tenants using Microsoft 365 Copilot with access to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What will happen: End users will be able to connect to Microsoft-published federated connectors (such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion) directly within Copilot experiences to search or fetch live data. Admins will have visibility and control from the Copilot > Connectors section, where they can View all default Federated copilot connectors enabled by Microsoft. Disable any connectors that are not relevant or compliant for their organization. Use staged rollout to enable these connectors for a limited group of users Admin can also create and manage custom MCP based federated copilot connectors for internal or specialized data sources using an MCP endpoint. Screenshot 1 - Admin experience: Screenshot 2 - User experience: What you can do to prepare: When a Microsoft-published federated Copilot connector first appears in the Microsoft 365 admin center (Copilot > Connectors> Your connections), it will remain admin-only for 7 days before it can be used by end users. During this seven-day review window, admins can: Review newly available federated connectors Disable connectors that are not relevant or compliant for their organization Use staged rollout to limit availability to specific Entra ID groups Any connector disabled during this window will not be rolled out to end users. Additional steps: Review the list of default connectors that will appear in your tenant under Copilot > Connectors > Your Connections. List includes: Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion and more. You can find them with type 'MCP' Ensure all available connectors align with your organization's data and compliance policies. Disable any that do not meet requirements directly from the admin center. For custom connectors, configure your MCP endpoints with the required tools (search and fetch) and proper authentication (OAuth2). Communicate this change to helpdesk staff and update internal documentation as needed. Compliance considerations: QuestionAnswer Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes. Federated connectors allow Copilot to fetch live data using user credentials, introducing new real-time AI interactions. Does the change add any integration to 3rd party software products, and if so what?Yes. It enables connections to external apps such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts. Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Yes. Admins can manage connector availability and rollout via the Microsoft 365 admin center, and staged rollout can be configured using Entra ID group membership. Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Yes. Users can connect or disconnect federated connectors within Copilot experiences. |
| 2026-01-13 | MC Last Updated | 12/11/2025 18:43:37 | 2026-01-12T18:50:18Z |
| 2026-01-13 | MC End Time | 02/16/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-03-06T09:00:00Z |
| 2026-01-13 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors enabling real-time data access from apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins manage these via the Microsoft 365 admin center, controlling availability and compliance. Public preview starts January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license and web platform use. | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors enabling real-time access to external apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins manage these via the Microsoft 365 admin center with control over rollout and compliance. Public preview starts January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license. |
| 2025-12-12 | MC Messages | Updated December 10, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing user-level (federated) connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). | Updated December 11, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). |
| 2025-12-12 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: All tenants using Microsoft 365 Copilot with access to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What will happen: End users will be able to connect to Microsoft-published federated connectors (such as Canva, Notion, Intercom) directly within Copilot experiences to search or fetch live data. Admins will have visibility and control from the Copilot > Connectors section, where they can View all default user-level connectors enabled by Microsoft. Disable any connectors that are not relevant or compliant for their organization. Use staged rollout to enable these connectors for a limited group of users Admin can also create and manage custom user-level connectors for internal or specialized data sources using an MCP endpoint. Screenshot 1 - Admin experience: Screenshot 2 - User experience: What you can do to prepare: Review the list of default connectors that will appear in your tenant under Copilot > Connectors > Your Connections. Ensure all available connectors align with your organization's data and compliance policies. Disable any that do not meet requirements directly from the admin center. For custom connectors, configure your MCP endpoints with the required tools (search and fetch) and proper authentication (OAuth2). Communicate this change to helpdesk staff and update internal documentation as needed. Compliance considerations: QuestionAnswer Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes. Federated connectors allow Copilot to fetch live data using user credentials, introducing new real-time AI interactions. Does the change add any integration to 3rd party software products, and if so what?Yes. It enables connections to external apps such as Notion, Slack, Figma, GitHub, and Gmail. Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Yes. Admins can manage connector availability and rollout via the Microsoft 365 admin center, and staged rollout can be configured using Entra ID group membership. Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Yes. Users can connect or disconnect federated connectors within Copilot experiences. | Who is affected: All tenants using Microsoft 365 Copilot with access to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What will happen: End users will be able to connect to Microsoft-published federated connectors (such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion) directly within Copilot experiences to search or fetch live data. Admins will have visibility and control from the Copilot > Connectors section, where they can View all default Federated copilot connectors enabled by Microsoft. Disable any connectors that are not relevant or compliant for their organization. Use staged rollout to enable these connectors for a limited group of users Admin can also create and manage custom MCP based federated copilot connectors for internal or specialized data sources using an MCP endpoint. Screenshot 1 - Admin experience: Screenshot 2 - User experience: What you can do to prepare: Review the list of default connectors that will appear in your tenant under Copilot > Connectors > Your Connections. List includes: Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts, Notion and more. You can find them with type 'MCP' Ensure all available connectors align with your organization's data and compliance policies. Disable any that do not meet requirements directly from the admin center. For custom connectors, configure your MCP endpoints with the required tools (search and fetch) and proper authentication (OAuth2). Communicate this change to helpdesk staff and update internal documentation as needed. Compliance considerations: QuestionAnswer Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes. Federated connectors allow Copilot to fetch live data using user credentials, introducing new real-time AI interactions. Does the change add any integration to 3rd party software products, and if so what?Yes. It enables connections to external apps such as Canva, HubSpot, Linear, Intercom, Google calendar, Google contacts. Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Yes. Admins can manage connector availability and rollout via the Microsoft 365 admin center, and staged rollout can be configured using Entra ID group membership. Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Yes. Users can connect or disconnect federated connectors within Copilot experiences. |
| 2025-12-12 | MC Last Updated | 12/10/2025 18:13:56 | 2025-12-11T18:43:37Z |
| 2025-12-12 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot will support user-level federated connectors, enabling secure real-time access to external apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins can manage these connectors in the Microsoft 365 admin center, controlling availability and compliance. Public preview begins by January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license. | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces federated connectors enabling real-time data access from apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins manage these via the Microsoft 365 admin center, controlling availability and compliance. Public preview starts January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license and web platform use. |
| 2025-12-11 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-12-11 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces user-level federated connectors, allowing users to securely connect external apps like Notion and Canva in real time using their credentials. Admins can manage, control, and stage rollouts of these connectors via the Microsoft 365 admin center. Public preview starts November 15, 2025. | Microsoft 365 Copilot will support user-level federated connectors, enabling secure real-time access to external apps like Notion and Canva within Copilot. Admins can manage these connectors in the Microsoft 365 admin center, controlling availability and compliance. Public preview begins by January 12, 2026, requiring a Copilot license. |
| 2025-12-11 | MC Last Updated | 11/20/2025 00:44:19 | 2025-12-10T18:13:56Z |
| 2025-12-11 | MC Messages | We're introducing user-level (federated) connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by November 15, 2025. | Updated December 10, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're introducing user-level (federated) connectors in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling users to securely connect external apps such as Notion, Canva, or Hubspot directly within Copilot experiences like Researcher. Unlike traditional indexed connectors, federated connectors use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access data in real time. This allows users to fetch and read information from connected sources using their own credentials, while maintaining admin-level visibility, control, and governance in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This feature will be available on the web platform. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 501585. When this will happen: Public Preview: Rollout will begin by January 12, 2026 (previously November 15, 2025). |
| 2025-12-11 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: Manage and deploy user-level connectors in Microsoft 365 admin center | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Manage and deploy user-level connectors in Microsoft 365 admin center |
| 2025-12-11 | MC End Time | 12/15/2025 09:00:00 | 2026-02-16T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
