check before: 2026-04-20
Product:
Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot now supports federated Copilot connectors, enabling secure, real-time data access from third-party sources without storing data in Microsoft services. Available worldwide from April to May 2026, admins can manage connectors via the Microsoft 365 admin center, with initial connectors including Canva, HubSpot, and Google Calendar.
Details:
[Introduction]
Microsoft is announcing the General Availability (GA) of federated Copilot connectors for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Federated Copilot connectors enable users to securely connect Copilot to popular third-party sources and retrieve data in real time using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). These connectors do not store or index customer data in Microsoft services; access occurs in real time using the user's identity, while administrators retain full governance and control through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
With GA, federated Copilot connectors will be supported in Researcher agent, Microsoft 365 Chat, and Agent Mode in Excel, enabling users to bring external data directly into their workflows.
[When this will happen]
General Availability (Worldwide):
Admins will begin seeing federated Copilot connectors in Microsoft 365 admin center starting on April 20, 2026. Public documentation will be updated around the same time.
Rollout for users will begin in late April 2026 and complete by late May 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-24
updated:
2026-04-17
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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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Data Security Risks
Without proper preparation, enabling federated Copilot connectors may expose sensitive organizational data to third-party services, leading to potential data breaches.
- roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/06/15/understanding-data-security-in-the-cloud/
User Experience Disruption
If connectors are enabled without a staged rollout, users may face confusion or disruptions in their workflows due to unexpected changes in available tools and data access.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/05/10/the-importance-of-user-experience-in-technology-adoption/
Compliance and Governance Issues
Failure to review third-party provider agreements and compliance standards before enabling connectors can lead to violations of data residency and licensing terms.
- roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
- references: https://www.dataprotectionreport.com/2021/03/compliance-in-the-age-of-cloud-what-you-need-to-know/
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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