MC1193290 – (Updated) Coming Soon: Anthropic models will be available by default in Copilot experiences

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot

Platform:

Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Anthropic models will be enabled by default in many Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences starting January 7, 2026, with Anthropic onboarded as a Microsoft subprocessor under Microsoft’s data protection terms. Admins can opt out, and the default setting varies by region and cloud type.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: Anthropic as a subprocessor is rolling out to the Researcher agent in phases, so the Anthropic option in Researcher may not be available for all tenants yet. Broad availability is expected by the end of January 2026. Use Claude with Researcher in Microsoft 365 Copilot
[Introduction:]
In September, Anthropic models became available in certain Copilot experiences through an opt-in setting, where use was subject to Anthropic's commercial terms and data processing agreement. On January 7, 2026, Anthropic models will be enabled by default for many customers and now offered under the Microsoft Product Terms and Data Protection Addendum. To enable this change, Anthropic has been onboarded as a Microsoft subprocessor. This transition extends Microsoft's contractual commitments and data protection standards to the use of Anthropic models in Copilot experiences.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-12-09

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Default Enablement of Anthropic Models
If Anthropic models are enabled by default without proper preparation, users may experience unexpected changes in functionality and performance of Microsoft 365 Copilot features, leading to confusion and decreased productivity.
   - roles: Admins, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/enterprise-data-protection, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/wordexcelppt-agents

Opt-out Complexity
Admins may face challenges in opting out of the default setting, leading to potential data processing concerns and compliance issues, especially for organizations in the EU/EFTA and UK.
   - roles: Admins, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/microsoft-products-and-services-data-protection-addendum-dpa, https://aka.ms/dpa

Feature Accessibility
Certain features may become inaccessible if Anthropic models are turned off, resulting in a loss of functionality for users who rely on those features for their tasks.
   - roles: End Users, Product Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/authoring-select-external-response-model#admin-controls-and-requirements-for-external-models, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/use-claude-with-researcher-in-microsoft-365-copilot-23e2503b-d73e-4abb-902d-b9814205a38a

Data Protection Compliance Risks
Without adequate preparation, organizations may inadvertently violate data protection regulations due to the use of Anthropic models, especially in regions with strict data laws.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/microsoft-products-and-services-data-protection-addendum-dpa, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/enterprise-data-protection

User Training and Adaptation
Users may require additional training to adapt to the new features and functionalities introduced by Anthropic models, leading to a temporary decline in productivity if not addressed beforehand.
   - roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/wordexcelppt-agents, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/enterprise-data-protection

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with AI Models
With Anthropic models enabled by default, users will benefit from advanced AI capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This can enhance productivity and streamline workflows, particularly for roles that rely heavily on document creation and data analysis.
   - next-steps: Communicate the benefits of the new AI features to users and provide training sessions to maximize their use of the Anthropic models in their daily tasks.
   - roles: Content Creators, Data Analysts, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/wordexcelppt-agents, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/enterprise-data-protection

Administrative Efficiency with New Admin Controls
The introduction of a new admin toggle for Anthropic models simplifies the management of AI capabilities across the organization. Admins can easily opt in or out based on regional requirements, streamlining the administrative process.
   - next-steps: Review and update administrative policies to incorporate the new toggle settings, and ensure that all admins are trained on how to manage these settings effectively.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/authoring-select-external-response-model#admin-controls-and-requirements-for-external-models, https://aka.ms/dpa

Compliance and Data Protection Assurance
With Anthropic as a Microsoft subprocessor, organizations can leverage Microsoft's robust data protection commitments. This can help in maintaining compliance with data regulations, especially for roles that handle sensitive information.
   - next-steps: Assess current compliance frameworks against the new data protection terms and update any necessary documentation or processes to align with the changes.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/microsoft-products-and-services-data-protection-addendum-dpa, https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/welcome/welcomepage

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**

Microsoft is introducing a change where Anthropic models will be integrated into Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences by default. Think of this as adding a new ingredient to a recipe. Previously, users had to choose to add this ingredient, but now it will be included automatically, unless you decide to remove it. This change is set to begin on January 7, 2026, and is part of a broader effort to enhance the capabilities of Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

For those managing Microsoft 365, it's important to know that Anthropic will now act as a subprocessor for Microsoft. This means Anthropic will handle certain data processing tasks under Microsoft's guidance and data protection rules. It's similar to hiring a subcontractor to help with a big project, where the subcontractor follows the main contractor's instructions and standards.

Admins have the option to opt out of using Anthropic models if they prefer not to include this new ingredient in their recipe. However, turning off this feature might mean some functionalities won't be available. It's like choosing not to use a specific tool in a toolbox, which might limit the tasks you can perform.

There are also regional considerations. For instance, customers in the EU, EFTA, and the UK will not have this feature turned on by default and will need to opt in if they want to use it. This is similar to regional variations in recipes where certain ingredients are optional based on local preferences or regulations.

In summary, this update is about enhancing Microsoft 365's capabilities by default, with options for customization based on your needs and regional requirements.