check before: 2026-04-15
Product:
Copilot, Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
This post describes changes we're making for Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. There are no changes for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Starting April 15, 2026, Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with advanced reasoning will become generally available. Copilot Chat usage will be governed by standard access to help ensure a reliable experience for all customers. As part of standard access, users may also see in-product notifications for the Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
If you want priority access for your users, you can provide them with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. If you wish to disable Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you may do so using existing admin controls.
We are also adding in-product labels to help end users and admins identify their user experience. We are labeling the experience for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license as "M365 Copilot (Basic)" and labeling the experience for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license as "M365 Copilot (Premium)".
[When will this happen:]
These changes will go into effect starting April 15, 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Degradation
Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will experience limited functionality in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, labeled as 'M365 Copilot (Basic)', which may lead to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, Content Creators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage#pinning-settings-for--chat, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/standard-versus-priority-access-to-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-chat-12c8d9f8-db32-4f99-8ebe-d8d85879137f
Increased Support Requests
The introduction of in-product notifications regarding the Microsoft 365 Copilot license may lead to an increase in support requests from users seeking clarification on their access and functionality.
- roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/manage-license-requests?view=o365-worldwide#use-your-own-request-process, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/manage-self-service-purchases-admins?view=o365-worldwide#enable-or-disable-self-service-purchases-and-trials
Potential Workflow Disruption
Users may face disruptions in their workflows due to the lack of advanced reasoning features in the 'M365 Copilot (Basic)' experience, impacting their ability to complete tasks efficiently.
- roles: Project Managers, Data Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/manage#pinning-settings-for--chat, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/standard-versus-priority-access-to-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-chat-12c8d9f8-db32-4f99-8ebe-d8d85879137f
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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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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