MC1222648 – Microsoft Viva Glint: Copilot will default to ON and move to VFAM as the single control

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Glint

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

551197

Details:

Summary:
Viva Glint will default Copilot to ON and remove its internal toggles, using Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) as the sole control for Copilot access starting March 2026. Admins must manage access via VFAM; users see Copilot by default if they have Glint permissions. No M365 Copilot license is needed.

Details:
[Introduction]
We are simplifying how your organization manages Copilot access in Viva Glint. Viva Glint will now use Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM) as the single control plane for Copilot access, consistent with other Microsoft Copilot experiences. As part of this change, the existing Glint service‑level Copilot toggles will be removed, and Copilot will default to ON at the Glint service level.
This removes unnecessary admin friction caused by the current dual‑gate model and ensures a clearer, more consistent governance experience across Microsoft 365.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 551197.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early March 2026 and is expected to complete by late March 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2026-01-27

updated:
2026-01-27

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MS How does it affect me

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft is streamlining access to Copilot in Viva Glint by implementing Viva Feature Access Management (VFAM), a single control system that replaces individual settings, simplifying administration and eliminating the need for additional licenses.

Direct effects for Operations**

Default ON Setting for Copilot
Users will see Copilot by default, which may lead to confusion or overwhelm if they are not prepared for its functionalities.
   - roles: Users with Glint permissions, Glint service admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-faqs, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=551197

Removal of Copilot Toggles
Admins will lose the ability to manage Copilot access through the Glint admin portal, potentially leading to unauthorized access if VFAM settings are not properly configured.
   - roles: Glint service admins, Global/M365/Viva Glint Tenant Admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management, https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-privacy " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-privacy

Increased Admin Workload
Global/M365/Viva Glint Tenant Admins will need to manage all Copilot access through VFAM, which may increase their workload if they are not familiar with the new system.
   - roles: Global/M365/Viva Glint Tenant Admins, IT Operations Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-faqs, https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management

User Experience with AI Insights
Users may not be ready to utilize AI-powered insights effectively, leading to underutilization of the Copilot features.
   - roles: Users with Glint permissions, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-faqs, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=551197

Compliance and Governance Challenges
Without proper preparation, organizations may face compliance issues due to the centralized governance model introduced by VFAM.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/glint/setup/copilot-privacy, https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/feature-access-management

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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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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