MC981462 – (Updated) Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, OneNote, Outlook

Platform:

mobile, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting March 2025, Microsoft 365 will allow multiple account access to Copilot in desktop and mobile apps, enabling users to use Copilot on any permitted document across accounts. Enterprise data protection applies based on file access identity. Admins can restrict this via a Cloud Policy available by January 2025.

Details:
Updated October 1, 2025: Today we announced multiple updates to our Microsoft 365 subscription lineup for individuals. Multiple account access allows individuals with these subscriptions to access Microsoft 365 Copilot value while at work through the Microsoft 365 apps.
As mentioned previously, enterprise data protection continues to apply for files accessed with the user's organizational identity, regardless of which account grants Copilot access. Learn more about what this means for your organization.
If you wish to restrict multiple account access to Copilot, you can use the "Multiple account access to Copilot for work documents" Cloud Policy.
For more information, refer to documentation.
Multiple account access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile apps will be available soon.
[When will this happen]
General availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early March 2025 and expect to complete by early July 2025 (previously mid-June).
Cloud Policy to manage use will be available by late January 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-01-17

updated:
2025-10-01

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Data Security Risks
Without proper preparation, allowing multiple account access may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data, as users can inadvertently use personal accounts to access work documents.
   - roles: IT Admin, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/multiple-account-access, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/employees-can-bring-copilot-from-their-personal-microsoft-365-plans-to-work---wh/4458212

User Confusion
Users may experience confusion regarding which account they are using to access Copilot features, leading to potential errors in document handling and collaboration.
   - roles: End User, Team Leader
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/01/meet-microsoft-365-premium-your-ai-and-productivity-powerhouse/, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/overview-cloud-policy " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/overview-cloud-policy

Compliance Issues
Failure to manage multiple account access could result in compliance violations if users access or share data across accounts without proper oversight.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, IT Admin
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/multiple-account-access, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/employees-can-bring-copilot-from-their-personal-microsoft-365-plans-to-work---wh/4458212

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of multiple account access may lead to an increase in support requests from users facing issues with account management and data access.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Admin
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/admin-center/overview-cloud-policy, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/01/meet-microsoft-365-premium-your-ai-and-productivity-powerhouse/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/01/meet-microsoft-365-premium-your-ai-and-productivity-powerhouse/

Performance Issues
If multiple accounts are not managed properly, it may lead to performance degradation in applications due to increased load and potential conflicts between accounts.
   - roles: System Administrator, End User
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/multiple-account-access, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/employees-can-bring-copilot-from-their-personal-microsoft-365-plans-to-work---wh/4458212

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**

Starting in March 2025, Microsoft 365 will introduce a feature that allows users to access Copilot across multiple accounts on both desktop and mobile apps. Think of this change like having a universal remote control that can operate multiple devices in your home. Just as you can switch between controlling your TV, sound system, and DVD player with one remote, users will be able to switch between different Microsoft 365 accounts to use Copilot on any document they have permission to access.

This update is particularly useful for those who juggle between personal and work accounts. For example, if you have a work account and a personal account, you can now use Copilot to assist with tasks in both environments without needing to log out and log back in each time. It's like having a single key that opens multiple doors, making it easier and more efficient to move between different spaces.

Enterprise data protection remains a priority, much like how a bank protects your accounts. Regardless of which account you use to access a document, the security measures in place will always be based on the identity associated with that document. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected, similar to how your bank uses your identity to secure your financial transactions.

For organizations that prefer to limit this feature, there will be a Cloud Policy available by January 2025. This is akin to setting parental controls on a device, allowing administrators to restrict or manage how multiple account access is used within their organization.

This new feature will be rolled out globally from March to July 2025, and it will be available for applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It's designed to enhance productivity by allowing seamless access to Copilot's capabilities across different accounts, much like how a Swiss Army knife provides multiple tools in one compact package.