Short Version
You can now highlight text in an email and prompt Copilot for contextual insights in classic Outlook for Windows. This gives you more control over when and how Copilot assists you, right inside your workflow. Due early June to late June 2026.
Details
Microsoft is introducing User-initiated Insights in Copilot for classic Outlook for Windows. You can manually select text within an email and prompt Copilot to provide contextual insights — giving you greater control over when and how Copilot helps, which supports clarity and quicker decision-making.
When you highlight text in an email, an ‘Explain This’ button (1) appears to provide additional context. The functionality is built into the Outlook experience and doesn’t require a separate add-in.

Availability
Due early June to late June 2026.
Source, related links and references
MC1311978
Image(s): Microsoft.
Roadmap ID 508524.
Page originally published
31st May 2026, and kept up to date.
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