check before: 2026-02-28
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
mobile, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting late February 2026, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files cited in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (web) will open directly within the chat instead of a new tab. This change requires a Copilot license, is enabled by default, needs no admin action, and does not affect other Copilot apps.
Details:
Updated February 11, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We are updating the file-opening experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. When users click on cited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint content in Copilot Chat, the file currently opens in a new browser tab. With this update, supported files can open directly within Copilot chat to streamline viewing. This change does not apply to Copilot Mobile, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, or Copilot in PowerPoint.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): rollout will begin in late February 2026 (previously early February) and is expected to complete by early March 2026 (previously mid-February).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-31
updated:
2026-02-12
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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summary for non-techies**
Starting in late February 2026, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat will allow Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files to open directly within the chat window for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license on the web version, eliminating the need to open new browser tabs.
Direct effects for Operations**
File Opening Experience Change
Users may experience confusion or frustration as files open directly within Copilot Chat instead of a new tab, potentially disrupting their workflow and multitasking capabilities.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/open-word-excel-and-powerpoint-files-in-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/123456
Training and Documentation Needs
The change requires updates to internal documentation and training materials, which if not prepared in advance, can lead to misinformation and increased support requests.
- roles: Training Teams, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2026/02/11/updates-to-microsoft-365-copilot-chat/
Configutation Options**
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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 |
| 2026-02-12 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact |
| 2026-02-12 | MC Summary | Starting early February 2026, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files cited in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (web) will open directly within the chat instead of a new tab. This change requires a Copilot license, is enabled by default, needs no admin action, and does not affect other Copilot apps. | Starting late February 2026, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files cited in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (web) will open directly within the chat instead of a new tab. This change requires a Copilot license, is enabled by default, needs no admin action, and does not affect other Copilot apps. |
| 2026-02-12 | MC Last Updated | 01/30/2026 23:57:28 | 2026-02-12T00:54:49Z |
| 2026-02-12 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
We are updating the file-opening experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. When users click on cited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint content in Copilot Chat, the file currently opens in a new browser tab. With this update, supported files can open directly within Copilot chat to streamline viewing. This change does not apply to Copilot Mobile, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, or Copilot in PowerPoint. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): rollout will begin in early February 2026 and is expected to complete by mid-February 2026. | Updated February 11, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] We are updating the file-opening experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. When users click on cited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint content in Copilot Chat, the file currently opens in a new browser tab. With this update, supported files can open directly within Copilot chat to streamline viewing. This change does not apply to Copilot Mobile, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, or Copilot in PowerPoint. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): rollout will begin in late February 2026 (previously early February) and is expected to complete by early March 2026 (previously mid-February). |
| 2026-02-12 | MC Title | Open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | (Updated) Open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat |
| 2026-02-12 | MC End Time | 03/16/2026 08:00:00 | 2026-04-13T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 1 week ago ago
