MC1192664 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Review PDFs using Copilot context menu and AI actions

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot will roll out globally from early to late January 2026, enabling faster PDF reviews via a context menu in OneDrive web. It offers "Explain this" and custom prompts for text explanation. A Copilot license is required; no action is needed now.

Details:
Updated December 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
Microsoft 365 Copilot makes PDF reviews faster and easier. It explains selected text in plain language and lets you customize prompts for tailored results, so you spend less time switching between apps.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out in early January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025) and expect to complete by late January 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-12-06

updated:
2025-12-18

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**

User Experience Impact due to Licensing Requirements
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will be unable to access the new PDF review features, leading to frustration and decreased productivity as they cannot utilize the faster review process.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/12/17/updated-microsoft-365-copilot-review-pdfs-using-copilot-context-menu-and-ai-actions/

User Experience Impact from Feature Rollout Timing
If the rollout occurs without proper communication, users may be unaware of the new features, leading to confusion and inefficient use of OneDrive for PDF reviews, as they may not know how to access or utilize the new context menu options.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/12/17/updated-microsoft-365-copilot-review-pdfs-using-copilot-context-menu-and-ai-actions/

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 Copilot is introducing a new feature that will make reviewing PDFs quicker and easier for users. Imagine you have a pile of legal documents to go through, and instead of reading each one word by word, you have a smart assistant by your side. This assistant can quickly explain parts of the text in simple terms or respond to specific questions you have about the content. This is what the new Copilot feature in OneDrive web aims to do.

When you open a PDF in OneDrive, you can highlight any text, and a small menu will pop up. This menu gives you two main options. The first option, "Explain this," acts like a quick summary tool, breaking down the selected text into easy-to-understand language. Think of it as having a translator that turns complex legal jargon into plain English. The second option allows you to type in your own questions or prompts, which the system will use to give you a more customized response. It's like having a conversation with your assistant, where you can ask for specific insights without leaving the document you're working on.

To use this feature, you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, but there's no need to do anything right now if you don't have it yet. The rollout will happen gradually from early to late January 2026, so some users might see it before others.

In summary, this update is like having a smart helper that saves you time and effort when reviewing documents, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.