MC1246031 – Microsoft Outlook: Copilot Chat available in shared and delegate mailboxes

Product:

Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Outlook

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

554936

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:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2026-03-17

updated:
2026-03-17

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Increased User Productivity
Users can access Copilot features directly in shared mailboxes, improving efficiency and collaboration without needing to switch accounts.
   - roles: Executive Assistants, Support Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936

Potential Confusion Over Conversation History
Users may be confused about where conversation history is stored, as it remains with the primary account, leading to misunderstandings in shared environments.
   - roles: HR Team Members, Finance Team Members
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936

Need for Updated Training Materials
Internal documentation and training materials will need to be updated to reflect the new capabilities, which may lead to temporary gaps in user knowledge.
   - roles: IT Trainers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936

Compliance and Data Access Concerns
Changes in how data is processed in shared mailboxes may raise compliance concerns, requiring review of permission models to ensure alignment with organizational policies.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936

User Experience Variability
Different users may have varying levels of access and permissions, leading to inconsistent experiences when using Copilot in shared mailboxes.
   - roles: General Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=554936

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

DPIA Draft**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only