Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Microsoft Copilot Studio: Expanding model choice [MC1158765]

Message ID: MC1158765

Introduction:

We’re expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Microsoft Copilot Studio to include Anthropic models. You can read more about this announcement in our blog: Expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot.

This update gives organizations more flexibility to tailor AI experiences to their needs. Researcher can now be powered by either OpenAI’s deep reasoning models or Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1. Claude in Researcher is rolling out today via the Frontier Program to Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers who opt in. In Copilot Studio, Claude Opus 4.1 and Sonnet 4 models are now available as optional model options in addition to existing options from OpenAI. Makers with Microsoft Copilot Studio licenses who opt in can now experiment with creating custom agents using Claude. Claude models in Microsoft Copilot Studio are currently in preview and not intended for production use.

When this will happen:

• Rollout begins September 24, 2025. Admin opt-in required.
• Claude Opus 4.1 in Researcher is available today via the Frontier Program.
• Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 in Copilot Studio are in preview.

How this affects your organization:

Who is affected:

•  Admins managing Microsoft 365 Copilot, Researcher, and Microsoft Copilot Studio.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers participating in the Frontier Program.

What will happen:

• Researcher can now use:
  • OpenAI deep reasoning models
  • Anthropic Claude Opus 4.1 (opt-in required)
• Microsoft Copilot Studio now supports:
  • Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 models (opt-in required; external preview)
  • Existing OpenAI models remain available
• Anthropic models are disabled by default until admins opt-in
• Admins must opt-in via: 
  • Microsoft admin center (MAC)
  • Once turned on in MAC, additional management controls for Microsoft Copilot Studio can be used in Power Platform admin center (PPAC)

Learn more about admin opt-in controls:

• Connect to Anthropic’s AI models | Microsoft Learn
• Allow external large language models (LLMs) for generative responses | Microsoft Learn

Additional documentation:

• Choose an external model as the primary AI model | Microsoft Learn

Important: Claude models are hosted by Anthropic outside Microsoft-managed environments. Data used with Claude is processed outside Microsoft’s compliance and audit boundaries. This means Microsoft’s Product Terms, Data Protection Addendum, data residency commitments, data processing commitments (EUDB) do not apply to use of Anthropic models. Instead, your use is governed by Anthropic’s Commercial Terms of Service and Data Processing Addendum. 

Source: Microsoft

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