check before: 2026-04-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Exchange, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook, Windows
Platform:
Android, iOS, Mac, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets Outlook users create and view Inbox rules via natural language in chat, streamlining email management. Available from April 2026 on multiple Outlook platforms, it requires a Copilot license and operates alongside existing Outlook rules without extra configuration.
Details:
Updated March 27, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings.
A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature.
Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android).
[When this will happen]
General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early April 2026 (previously early February) and expect to complete by end of April 2026 (previously mid-May).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-29
updated:
2026-03-28
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 Disruption
If users are not prepared for the new natural language feature, they may struggle to adapt to the new way of creating Inbox rules, leading to confusion and inefficiency in email management.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/create-and-view-outlook-rules-with-microsoft-365-copilot-e62a74d7-ead1-4926-997d-aadb4154f0e7
Increased Support Requests
Without proper communication and training regarding the new feature, helpdesk teams may experience a surge in support requests from users facing difficulties or seeking clarification on how to use the new functionality.
- roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Administrators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/create-and-view-outlook-rules-with-microsoft-365-copilot-e62a74d7-ead1-4926-997d-aadb4154f0e7
Configutation Options**
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Data Protection**
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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 |
| 2026-03-28 | MC Messages | Updated March 25, 2026: We have updated the content and timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android). [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early April 2026 (previously early February) and expect to complete by mid-May 2026 (previously mid-March). | Updated March 27, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android). [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early April 2026 (previously early February) and expect to complete by end of April 2026 (previously mid-May). |
| 2026-03-28 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: Users with Microsoft 365 and Copilot licenses who use Outlook for email management..
What will happen: Users can create new Inbox rules through natural language prompts (for example: "Create a rule to move emails from my manager to a Manager folder."). Users can ask Copilot to show their existing Inbox rules, including rule names, conditions, actions, and status. Rules created with Copilot operate the same as rules created through Outlook settings: Rules apply only to future incoming messages. Existing messages are not automatically moved or modified. All rules are visible and manageable through Outlook's native Rules settings. The feature is on by default for eligible users and respects all existing Outlook and Exchange policies. | Who is affected: Users with Microsoft 365 and Copilot licenses who use Outlook for email management.
What will happen: Users can create new Inbox rules through natural language prompts (for example: "Create a rule to move emails from my manager to a Manager folder."). Users can ask Copilot to show their existing Inbox rules, including rule names, conditions, actions, and status. Rules created with Copilot operate the same as rules created through Outlook settings: Rules apply only to future incoming messages. Existing messages are not automatically moved or modified. All rules are visible and manageable through Outlook's native Rules settings. The feature is on by default for eligible users and respects all existing Outlook and Exchange policies. |
| 2026-03-28 | MC Last Updated | 03/26/2026 00:47:45 | 2026-03-27T22:44:51Z |
| 2026-03-28 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets Outlook users create and view Inbox rules via natural language in chat, streamlining email management. Available from April to mid-May 2026 on multiple Outlook platforms, it requires a Copilot license and operates alongside existing Outlook rules without extra configuration. | Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets Outlook users create and view Inbox rules via natural language in chat, streamlining email management. Available from April 2026 on multiple Outlook platforms, it requires a Copilot license and operates alongside existing Outlook rules without extra configuration. |
| 2026-03-26 | MC prepare | No action is required from administrators.
If your helpdesk or documentation references Outlook rule creation, you may wish to update it to reflect natural‑language rule management through Copilot. [Compliance considerations] No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization. | Ensure users have the appropriate Microsoft 365 and Copilot licenses.
Communicate this update to helpdesk and support teams. Update internal documentation if you detail email management features. No additional configuration is required for rollout. Review the following support article: Create and view Outlook rules with Microsoft 365 Copilot [Compliance considerations] No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization. https://support.microsoft.com/office/create-and-view-outlook-rules-with-microsoft-365-copilot-e62a74d7-ead1-4926-997d-aadb4154f0e7 |
| 2026-03-26 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook now lets users create and view Inbox rules using natural language via chat, available on multiple platforms with a Copilot license. The rollout began February 2026, requires no admin action, and rules function like traditional Outlook rules, applying only to future emails. | Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets Outlook users create and view Inbox rules via natural language in chat, streamlining email management. Available from April to mid-May 2026 on multiple Outlook platforms, it requires a Copilot license and operates alongside existing Outlook rules without extra configuration. |
| 2026-03-26 | MC Last Updated | 02/06/2026 19:19:25 | 2026-03-26T00:47:45Z |
| 2026-03-26 | MC Messages | Updated February 6, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android). [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early February 2026 (previously late January) and expect to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously early March). | Updated March 25, 2026: We have updated the content and timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android). [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early April 2026 (previously early February) and expect to complete by mid-May 2026 (previously mid-March). |
| 2026-03-26 | MC End Time | 04/20/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-06-19T09:00:00Z |
| 2026-03-26 | MC How Affect | Who is affected: Users who have access to Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook.
What will happen: Users can create new Inbox rules through natural language prompts (for example: "Create a rule to move emails from my manager to a Manager folder."). Users can ask Copilot to show their existing Inbox rules, including rule names, conditions, actions, and status. Rules created with Copilot operate the same as rules created through Outlook settings: Rules apply only to future incoming messages. Existing messages are not automatically moved or modified. All rules are visible and manageable through Outlook's native Rules settings. The feature is on by default for eligible users and respects all existing Outlook and Exchange policies. | Who is affected: Users with Microsoft 365 and Copilot licenses who use Outlook for email management..
What will happen: Users can create new Inbox rules through natural language prompts (for example: "Create a rule to move emails from my manager to a Manager folder."). Users can ask Copilot to show their existing Inbox rules, including rule names, conditions, actions, and status. Rules created with Copilot operate the same as rules created through Outlook settings: Rules apply only to future incoming messages. Existing messages are not automatically moved or modified. All rules are visible and manageable through Outlook's native Rules settings. The feature is on by default for eligible users and respects all existing Outlook and Exchange policies. |
| 2026-02-07 | MC Messages | Updated February 2, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early February 2026 (previously late January) and expect to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously early March). | Updated February 6, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. Supported platforms: Available via Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Work mode). When used within Outlook, it's supported on Classic and New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook mobile (iOS and Android). [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early February 2026 (previously late January) and expect to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously early March). |
| 2026-02-07 | MC Last Updated | 02/02/2026 22:54:41 | 2026-02-06T19:19:25Z |
| 2026-02-07 | MC Summary | Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook now lets users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. Rolling out worldwide from early February to mid-March 2026, this feature requires a Copilot license, works alongside existing rules, is on by default, and needs no admin action. | Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook now lets users create and view Inbox rules using natural language via chat, available on multiple platforms with a Copilot license. The rollout began February 2026, requires no admin action, and rules function like traditional Outlook rules, applying only to future emails. |
| 2026-02-03 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2026-02-03 | MC Summary | Outlook will enable Microsoft 365 Copilot to create and view Inbox rules using natural language, simplifying rule management without navigating settings. This feature, requiring a Copilot license, rolls out globally from late January to early March 2026, is on by default, and aligns with existing Outlook policies. | Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook now lets users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. Rolling out worldwide from early February to mid-March 2026, this feature requires a Copilot license, works alongside existing rules, is on by default, and needs no admin action. |
| 2026-02-03 | MC Last Updated | 01/29/2026 01:38:07 | 2026-02-02T22:54:41Z |
| 2026-02-03 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in late January 2026 and expect to complete by early March 2026. | Updated February 2, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] Outlook is adding new Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that let users create and view Inbox rules using natural language. This update helps users stay organized more efficiently by allowing them to ask Copilot to set up new rules or list existing rules directly in chat, without navigating Outlook settings. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this new feature. [When this will happen] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early February 2026 (previously late January) and expect to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously early March). |
| 2026-02-03 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: Create and view Outlook rules | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Create and view Outlook rules |
| 2026-02-03 | MC End Time | 04/02/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-04-20T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
