MC790241 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Microsoft Copilot app in classic Outlook for Windows (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Teams, Windows

Platform:

Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

388753

Details:

Summary:
The Microsoft Copilot app will be available in classic Outlook for Windows, starting with a Public Preview in early May 2024 and achieving General Availability by mid-June 2024. This feature comes with a qualifying Copilot license and requires no admin action prior to rollout.

Details:
Updated June 6, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon: The same Microsoft Copilot experience you can get from the Microsoft Teams app, at copilot.microsoft.com ("Work mode"), and in many other places soon will be available in classic Microsoft Outlook for Windows. This feature is enabled by default for any users with a qualifying Copilot license.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 388753.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out early May 2024 and expect to complete by mid-May 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 (previously late May) and expect to complete by early July 2024 (previously early June).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2024-05-04

updated:
2024-08-10

Public Preview Start Date

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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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Pictures

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Direct effects for Operations**

- Direct Impact on IT Operations
- Increased system resource utilization due to the integration of Microsoft Copilot in Outlook, potentially affecting performance.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Team, System Administrators
- Need for monitoring and support for new features, as users may encounter issues or require assistance with the Copilot functionality.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
- Potential for increased ticket volume related to user queries and issues with the new feature, leading to resource strain.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Service Desk Managers

- Direct Impact on IT Services
- Dependency on Microsoft 365 services, which may experience downtime or performance issues during the rollout, affecting all users.
- Roles impacted: IT Service Managers, Cloud Services Administrators
- Integration with existing workflows and services may require adjustments or updates to documentation and training materials.
- Roles impacted: IT Training Coordinators, Documentation Specialists
- Possible conflicts with existing add-ins or third-party applications that interact with Outlook, leading to service disruptions.
- Roles impacted: Application Support Teams, IT Change Managers

- Direct Impact on IT Users
- Users may experience a learning curve with the new Copilot features, leading to temporary productivity loss.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, Department Managers
- Changes in user interface and functionality may lead to confusion or frustration among users accustomed to the classic Outlook experience.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, User Experience Teams
- Increased reliance on AI-driven features may raise concerns regarding data privacy and security among users.
- Roles impacted: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers

References:
- Microsoft 365 Roadmap: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=388753)
- Microsoft Community Hub: [What's New in Copilot | April 2024](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/copilot-for-microsoft-365/what-s-new-in-copilot-april-2024/ba-p/4123808)

Opportunities**

- Enhance User Productivity with Microsoft Copilot
- Opportunity: Leverage the Microsoft Copilot app in Outlook to streamline email management, scheduling, and task prioritization.
- Potential Improvement: Users can automate repetitive tasks, receive intelligent suggestions for email responses, and manage their calendars more efficiently.
- Roles Benefiting:
- Administrative Assistants: Improved scheduling and email management.
- Project Managers: Enhanced task tracking and communication.
- Sales Teams: Faster response times to client inquiries.

- Improve IT Operations through Training and Support
- Opportunity: Implement training sessions and resources for users to maximize the benefits of the new Copilot features.
- Potential Improvement: Increased user adoption and proficiency with the new tools, leading to reduced support tickets and enhanced overall IT service efficiency.
- Roles Benefiting:
- IT Support Staff: Fewer queries related to Copilot usage.
- End Users: Better understanding of features leading to improved productivity.

- Cost Management through License Optimization
- Opportunity: Review and optimize existing Microsoft 365 licenses to ensure that only users who need Copilot access are assigned the qualifying licenses.
- Potential Improvement: This can lead to potential savings on licensing costs while ensuring that the right users have access to the necessary tools.
- Roles Benefiting:
- IT Administrators: Streamlined license management and potential cost savings.
- Finance Teams: Better budget management through optimized licensing.

References:
- Microsoft 365 Roadmap: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=388753)
- Microsoft Community Hub: [What's New in Copilot](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/copilot-for-microsoft-365/what-s-new-in-copilot-april-2024/ba-p/4123808)

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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