MC1230456 - Microsoft 365 apps for Mac suite installer now includes the Microsoft 365 Copilot app

Updated March 2, 2026: We have updated the timeline and content. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

Starting in mid‑February 2026, the Microsoft 365 apps for Mac suite installer a shim for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This change helps organizations more easily deploy the Microsoft 365 Copilot Mac app by enabling users to download the full application directly from the shim.

The Microsoft 365 Copilot Mac app brings AI assistance to macOS, helping users search, analyze, and create from a single, secure desktop experience.

When this will happen

• General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid‑February 2026 and is expected to complete by mid-May 2026 (previously mid‑March).

How this affects your organization

Who is affected: Organizations that deploy Microsoft 365 apps for Mac using the suite installation package.

What will happen:

• The Microsoft 365 apps for Mac suite installer will include the Microsoft 365 Copilot shim app.
• Users will be able to download and install the full Microsoft 365 Copilot app by opening the shim app from the Applications folder.
• Existing installations of Microsoft 365 apps on macOS are not affected.
• Organizations that want to deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot to devices already running Microsoft 365 apps should deploy the shim app separately.

What you can do to prepare

If your organization deploys Microsoft 365 apps for Mac using the suite installer package:

• Ensure the Microsoft 365 Copilot shim app is not excluded during deployment.
• Ensure that your organization does not use managed Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) configurations.
• Confirm that Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) is enabled on macOS devices.
• Confirm that devices meet the minimum requirement of macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later.
• Ensure network connectivity is available so the shim app can download the full app.
• This guidance is applicable for all users, not specifically those who want to deploy the shim app separately.
• Review: Deployment guide for Office for Mac | Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Learn.

How can you exclude the shim app from suite installer package during deployment

Method 1 - While downloading the suite installer package

1. Click on customize on the installation type page. 

2. Uncheck Microsoft 365 Copilot to remove the shim app 

Method 2 - While using Configuration Profile or Mobile Device Management (MDM) 

Apply the following preferences -

More context - Set suite-wide preferences for Office for Mac - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn 

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.