check before: 2025-12-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot will replace GPT-4o with OpenAI’s GPT-Image-1.5 from mid-December 2025 to late January 2026, enhancing image generation quality, speed, and accuracy without changing admin controls or compliance settings. Eligible users receive the update automatically.
Details:
[Introduction]
We're updating Microsoft 365 Copilot image generation experiences by introducing OpenAI's latest image generation model-GPT‑Image‑1.5-into Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat. This update improves prompt adherence, image editing precision, visual fidelity, and generation speed, enabling users to create higher-quality, more accurate visuals across Copilot Chat entry points and the Create experience in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
[When this will happen]
Rollout start (web, Windows, macOS, and mobile): Late December 2025
Rollout end (web, Windows, macOS, and mobile): Late January 2026
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in 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:
2025-12-20
updated:
2025-12-20
Task Type
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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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Image Generation Quality
Users may experience a significant improvement in image generation quality, leading to enhanced user satisfaction and productivity. However, if the change is implemented without proper preparation, users may face confusion or frustration due to the differences in output quality and style adherence compared to the previous model.
- roles: Graphic Designers, Content Creators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azure-ai-foundry-blog/introducing-openai%E2%80%99s-gpt-image-1-5-in-microsoft-foundry/4478139, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/understanding-foundation-model-changes-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4440322
User Experience with Image Editing
The transition to GPT-Image-1.5 may lead to a learning curve for users as they adapt to the new image editing capabilities. Without preparation, users might struggle with the new features, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential dissatisfaction with the tool.
- roles: Marketing Teams, Product Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/standard-versus-priority-access-to-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-chat-12c8d9f8-db32-4f99-8ebe-d8d85879137f, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/understanding-foundation-model-changes-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4440322
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft is updating its Microsoft 365 Copilot tool by replacing the current image generation model, GPT-4o, with a new model called GPT-Image-1.5 from OpenAI. This change is scheduled to occur between mid-December 2025 and late January 2026. The update aims to enhance the quality, speed, and accuracy of image generation without altering any existing administrative controls or compliance settings.
Think of this update like upgrading from an older camera to a newer model. The new camera (GPT-Image-1.5) can capture clearer, more vibrant photos and does so more quickly than the old one (GPT-4o). However, the way you handle the camera—such as the buttons you press or the settings you adjust—remains the same. This means users won't need to learn any new processes or worry about changes in data handling or security protocols.
For those using Microsoft 365 Copilot, this update will automatically roll out, similar to how a smartphone receives a software update overnight. Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will have priority access to these new features, while others will have standard access, depending on the service capacity.
The improvements users might notice include better adherence to instructions when creating images, more accurate depictions of requested styles, and faster generation times. Imagine asking an artist to draw a picture based on your description. With the new model, the artist (GPT-Image-1.5) will understand your instructions better and complete the drawing more quickly, all while maintaining high quality.
There is no action required from users or administrators for this update. However, it might be helpful to inform support teams about the expected improvements in image quality and editing capabilities. Existing policies and controls regarding image safety and compliance will remain unchanged, ensuring that the transition is smooth and secure.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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