Short Version
Microsoft are introducing a new way to summarise email threads in Outlook using Copilot chat, for people with and without a Copilot licence. Now due mid-September to mid-November 2025.

Details
You’ll soon have a new way to quickly summarise email threads in Outlook, even if you don’t have a Copilot license. You can generate a summary of any email conversation with just a click, right from the reading pane. This feature will be available in both Classic and New Outlook for Windows, helping you understand long or complex threads with ease.

 Key points from Microsoft:

  • Users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license who have Copilot chat and pinning enabled will see a new Summarise button in the reading pane. Selecting this button will open Copilot chat and generate a summary of the current email thread.
  • This feature is on by default for eligible users and does not require additional configuration.
  • Usage can be viewed in the Microsoft 365 admin centre.
  • Audit logging may apply if summaries are saved or shared.
  • Data is processed according to Copilot chat’s privacy terms.

Availability
Due mid-August to mid-October 2025.
Now due mid-September to mid-November 2025.

Source, related links, and references
MC1124564.
365 Roadmap id: 498320.
Image(s): Microsoft.
Learn more about summarising an email thread with Copilot in Outlook – Microsoft Support.
Related: Copilot Chat is coming to M365 apps for users without a Copilot licence – Super Simple 365.

Page originally published
31st July 2025 and kept up to date.

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