MC1174856 - Microsoft 365 Copilot: Session persistence enhancement for Copilot chat

Updated October 30, 2025:April 3, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

We’re improving the reliability of Copilot chat by ensuring that conversations are preserved even when users navigate away from a chat. With this update, a session entry is created in the navigation pane as soon as a prompt is submitted. This allows users to return to the conversation later without losing context or progress.

This capability will be available to users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot Starter or Premium license. No additional license or add-on is required beyond a validChat and Microsoft 365 Copilot license.users.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 500638.

When this will happen:

• Worldwide (General Availability): Rolling out from November 5,December 12, 2025 (previously October 27)December 3), to November 30, 2025end of April 2026 (previously October 31)March)
• GCC: Rolling out from NovemberJanuary 19, 20252026 (previously NovemberJanuary 3), to November 30, 2025end of April 2026 (previously November 28)March)
• GCC High: Rolling out from November 26, 2025January 19, 2026 (previously November 10)January 3), to November 30, 2025end of April 2026 (previously November 28March)
• DoD: Rolling out from NovemberJanuary 19, 20252026 (previously November 10)January 3), to November 30, 2025end of April 2026 (previously November 28)March)

How this affects your organization:

Who is affected: All users ofCopilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot (Microsoft 365)users in commercial, GCC, GCC High, and DoD environments with a valid Microsoft 365 Copilot Starter or Premium license. environments.

What will happen:

• A session entry will now appear in the navigation pane immediately after a prompt is submitted.
• Users can navigate away from a chat and return later without losing the conversation.
• This update improves continuity and reduces the risk of session loss.
• No changes to admin settings or policies are required.

What you can do to prepare:

No admin action is required at this time. You may wish to:

• Confirm that users have a Microsoft 365 Copilot Starter or Premium license.
• Inform helpdesk staff of this behavior change.
• Update internal documentation if you describe Copilot chat behavior.

Compliance considerations:

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.