check before: 2026-04-01
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot, including Copilot Chat, will be available in Outlook shared and delegate mailboxes starting April 2026. Users with access and licenses can use Copilot features directly in these mailboxes without special prompts. Conversation history stays with the user's primary account. No action required.
Details:
[Introduction]
We are expanding Microsoft Copilot capabilities in Outlook to include shared and delegate mailboxes. This update allows users who already have access to Microsoft 365 Copilot to use Copilot features, including Copilot Chat, directly while working in shared or delegated mailboxes. This change is designed to improve productivity for teams that collaborate using shared inboxes such as executive assistants, support desks, HR, and finance teams.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 554936.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2026 and expect to complete by early May 2026.
General Availability: We will begin rolling out early May 2026 and expect to complete by early June 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2026-03-17
updated:
2026-03-17
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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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Access Control Issues
If the change is implemented without proper preparation, users may inadvertently access sensitive information in shared mailboxes that they are not authorized to view, leading to potential data breaches.
- roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936
User Confusion
Users may be confused about how to use Copilot features in shared mailboxes, leading to decreased productivity and frustration if they are not adequately informed or trained.
- roles: End User, Team Leader
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936
Data Privacy Concerns
The conversation history being saved to the user's primary account may raise privacy concerns among users who share mailboxes, as they might worry about their interactions being stored alongside personal data.
- roles: Data Protection Officer, End User
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936
Increased Support Requests
Without proper communication and training, the rollout may lead to an increase in support requests from users facing issues or confusion regarding the new features, straining IT resources.
- roles: Help Desk Technician, IT Support Manager
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936
Misuse of Features
Users may misuse the Copilot features in shared mailboxes without understanding the implications, leading to inappropriate use of AI-generated content in professional communications.
- roles: End User, Team Manager
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936
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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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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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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