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Metadata at Mar 12, 2026

Message ID

MC1240704

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Last Updated

Mar 12, 2026

Published Feb 27, 2026

Service

Microsoft 365 apps

Tag

Updated message
Feature update
User impact
Admin impact
View the latest version See what changed since this version

MC1240704 - Copilot entry point changes in Word and handoff to Agent in chat

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What changed since this version

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Updated March 12,27, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

We are updating the entry points for Copilot in Word to provide a clearer, more consistent, and more intuitive experience. These changes unify how users access Copilot and introduce Word Agent in the chat pane as the primary Copilot interface. This update improves discoverability, simplifies the user workflow, and creates consistency with other Microsoft 365 apps.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out inlate March early April 2026 (previously earlylate March) and expect to complete by June 2026 (previously late April 2026April).

General Availability (GCC, GCCH and DoD): We will begin rolling out in October 2026 (previously late March) and expect to complete by late October 2026 (previously late April).

How this affects your organization

Who is affected

All users of Microsoft 365 apps for Word on Windows, macOS, and Web.

What will happen

  • The existing Copilot entry point in the left margin will be replaced by a consolidated entry point positioned in a consistent corner location.
  • Users will see contextual Copilot entry points when selecting content:
    • Windows and Web: inside the selection floatie
    • Mac: in the right‑click context menu
  • Word Agent in the right-side chat pane becomes the primary Copilot experience for prompts and responses.
  • All Copilot entry points—consolidated and contextual—will connect to Word Agent to ensure a unified experience.
  • There is no change to admin configuration, policy behavior, or Copilot availability settings.

What you can do to prepare

No action is required.

You may optionally:

  • Inform your users about the new Copilot access points and updated experience in Word.
  • Update internal help content or training materials if you document Copilot entry points.

Compliance considerations

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

Snapshot from Mar 12, 2026

Updated March 12, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

We are updating the entry points for Copilot in Word to provide a clearer, more consistent, and more intuitive experience. These changes unify how users access Copilot and introduce Word Agent in the chat pane as the primary Copilot interface. This update improves discoverability, simplifies the user workflow, and creates consistency with other Microsoft 365 apps.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late March 2026 (previously early March) and expect to complete by late April 2026.

General Availability (GCC, GCCH and DoD): We will begin rolling out in October 2026 (previously late March) and expect to complete by late October 2026 (previously late April).

How this affects your organization

Who is affected

All users of Microsoft 365 apps for Word on Windows, macOS, and Web.

What will happen

  • The existing Copilot entry point in the left margin will be replaced by a consolidated entry point positioned in a consistent corner location.
  • Users will see contextual Copilot entry points when selecting content:
    • Windows and Web: inside the selection floatie
    • Mac: in the right‑click context menu
  • Word Agent in the right-side chat pane becomes the primary Copilot experience for prompts and responses.
  • All Copilot entry points—consolidated and contextual—will connect to Word Agent to ensure a unified experience.
  • There is no change to admin configuration, policy behavior, or Copilot availability settings.

What you can do to prepare

No action is required.

You may optionally:

  • Inform your users about the new Copilot access points and updated experience in Word.
  • Update internal help content or training materials if you document Copilot entry points.

Compliance considerations

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