MC1301832 – Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork: Plugins, connectors, and partner integrations (Frontier)

Product:

Copilot, Exchange, Fabric, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power BI

Platform:

Android, iOS, mobile, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork is expanding with plugins, connectors, and partner integrations for Frontier participants starting May 2026. It enables secure access to Microsoft and third-party services, respects existing permissions and security, supports custom plugins, and is available on web, desktop, and mobile devices.

Details:
[Introduction]
As recently announced, Microsoft is expanding Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork with support for plugins, connectors, and selected partner integrations. This change enables Copilot Cowork to securely access additional Microsoft and third-party services using existing permissions, helping users complete tasks across systems without changing current security or compliance controls. These updates are based on early customer feedback from Microsoft 365 Copilot Frontier participants and are designed to improve extensibility and productivity while maintaining tenant governance.
Copilot Cowork is available through the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on web, desktop, and supported mobile devices (iOS and Android) for Frontier participants.
[When this will happen]
Public Preview: Rollout begins in early May 2026 and is expected to complete in early May 2026.
These capabilities are rolling out gradually as part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot Frontier program.
There is no general availability date announced at this time.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2026-05-06

updated:
2026-05-06

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**

Data Access and Security
The introduction of plugins and connectors may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data if not properly governed, as users can access additional Microsoft and third-party services based on existing permissions.
   - roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/cowork/cowork-manage-plugins, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/cowork/cowork-plugin-development

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflow if they are not adequately informed about the new capabilities and how to use them effectively, leading to potential inefficiencies.
   - roles: End User, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/cowork-in-progress/4511672, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/frontier-program

Compliance Risks
The change may introduce compliance risks if organizations do not review and align plugin and connector access with their governance and data access policies, potentially leading to violations of data protection regulations.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/cowork/cowork-plugins, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/cowork/cowork-plugin-development

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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