Updates to the M365 Copilot app for licensed users

1 May 2025

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What are you doing on Thursday, 5th June at 12:00 – 12:35 BST?

I’m participating in The Inform Team’s webinar called “You switched on Microsoft 365 Copilot. Now what?” — it’s all about the quiet shift toward passive, no-prompt usage and how Copilot is helping people work smarter without needing to be AI experts. If prompting has felt like a barrier, you’ll love what’s new and what’s coming. Come along — I’d love to share what we’re seeing!

The session will be live, just 35 minutes long and is free to join. Sign up here.

Short Version
M365 Copilot app updates for licensed users include Copilot Search, Agent Store, simplified chat, updated Create experience, Copilot Notebooks, and improved memory and personalisation. Due late May to late June 2025.

Details
We’ll start by comparing the old (left) and new layouts using a numbered screenshot from Microsoft (this image is shown again further down), followed by a description of each section and the changes:

1. Refreshed Navigation Pane – More Control and Visibility

You will experience a redesigned left navigation pane in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This update will:

Give you faster access to essential modules: Search, Chat, Notebooks, Create, and Apps
Let you pin or unpin apps and agents to tailor your workspace
Allow you to install Microsoft 365 apps directly to your desktop via the Install button in the Apps module
Notify you of Copilot’s background activity through toast notifications and bubble icons

2. Notebooks – Smarter, Context-Aware Responses

With the new Notebooks module, Copilot will be able to ground its responses in the content of your notebook. This means you will receive more relevant and contextualised answers based on your prompts.

You will be able to:

Gather and organise information from chats, meetings, pages, and files
Store and manage important documents, notes, and tasks in one place

3. Search – Enhanced Discovery and Copilot Integration

The Search module will now replace the Home module. You will benefit from:

A refreshed layout with key files grouped in dedicated sections
A search bar to help you quickly locate content
The ability to hover over files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDFs) to view Copilot-generated summaries

Later, Copilot Search will be introduced. This will:

Connect you to dozens of first- and third-party apps
Deliver fast, relevant results and rich, context-aware answers from across your organisation

4. Chat – Streamlined for Simplicity and Speed

The Chat module will be updated to improve usability. You will notice:

A collapsible left pane for quick access to chat history, Copilot Pages, agents, and the Agent Store
A centralised input box with prompt suggestions below
The ability to launch Chat using the Copilot key or Win + C shortcut on Windows 11

5. Create – Powerful New Tools for Content Creation

The Create module will be enhanced to support more dynamic content generation. You will be able to:

Use prompt templates and brand kits to maintain consistency
Leverage generative AI, including GPT-4o, to create and edit visuals, videos, text, and surveys

Availability
Due late May to late June 2025.

Source, related links, and references
MC1060780.
365 Roadmap ID 490155.
Image(s): Microsoft.
Related: Updates to the M365 Copilot app for unlicensed Copilot Chat users.
Related: Microsoft 365 Copilot: Your window into the world of agents | Microsoft 365 Blog.

Page originally published
1st May 2025 and kept up to date.

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