MC993078 – Microsoft 365 Copilot: Maintaining the agent extensibility setting (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Exchange, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, Admin impact

Links:

MC990963

Details:

In MC928045 Update on Controls for Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot (November 2024), we announced the upcoming removal of the Microsoft Copilot extensibility preview control. In response to customer feedback, the control will remain a production setting and exit preview to aid your management of agents and Copilot extensibility.
In addition to maintaining this setting, Microsoft is committed to improving your ability to manage agents through improved reporting (including Shared agents) and more granular agent controls including agent metadata, shared agent inventory and blocking ability (refer to MC990963 Microsoft 365 admin center: Enhancements to Integrated apps page, January 2025) and environment-based controls in the Microsoft Power Platform admin center.
[When this will happen:]
Access to the current control will remain in effect and the preview badging of the control will be removed in February 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-01-31

updated:
2025-01-31

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Removal of Copilot Extensibility Preview Control
Without preparation, users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflows due to the sudden removal of the extensibility preview control, impacting their ability to customize Copilot functionalities.
   - roles: IT Admin, End User
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/mc928045-update-on-controls-for-agents-in-microsoft-365/ba-p/3823450

Enhanced Shared Agent Management
If the new Shared Agent management section is not properly communicated, IT admins may struggle to manage shared agents effectively, leading to potential security compliance issues.
   - roles: IT Admin, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/mc990963-updated-microsoft-365-admin-center-enhancements-to/ba-p/3823451

Automatic Rollout of New Features
The automatic rollout of new features without prior notice may lead to user resistance or dissatisfaction if they are not adequately informed about the changes and their implications.
   - roles: End User, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot-blog/mc990963-updated-microsoft-365-admin-center-enhancements-to/ba-p/3823451

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Agent Management and Reporting
The new Shared Agent management section in the Microsoft 365 admin center will provide IT admins with improved visibility and control over shared agents, allowing for better compliance and security management. This opportunity will enhance the overall user experience by ensuring that only authorized agents are active, thereby increasing trust in the system.
   - next-steps: Conduct a training session for IT admins to familiarize them with the new features of the Shared Agent management section. Set up a review process to regularly assess shared agents and their compliance with organizational policies.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Security Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-365-copilot-maintaining-the-agent-extensibility/ba-p/3692006

Granular Control over Agent Metadata
The introduction of more granular agent controls, including agent metadata and inventory management, allows organizations to tailor their agent configurations to better meet their specific needs. This can lead to a more efficient use of resources and improved operational effectiveness.
   - next-steps: Develop a strategy for utilizing the granular controls effectively, including a pilot program to test configurations before full implementation. Gather feedback from users on the effectiveness of these controls.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Operations Managers, Product Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-365-copilot-maintaining-the-agent-extensibility/ba-p/3692006

Environment-Based Controls in Power Platform
The upcoming environment-based controls in the Microsoft Power Platform admin center will allow for better management of applications and agents based on specific organizational environments. This can lead to enhanced user experience by ensuring that users only interact with relevant applications and agents.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current organizational environments and determine how to categorize agents and applications effectively. Create guidelines for admins on how to implement environment-based controls to optimize user experience.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Application Managers, Business Analysts
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-365-copilot-maintaining-the-agent-extensibility/ba-p/3692006

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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