Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat – Updates to Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint [MC1253863]

Message ID: MC1253863

This post describes changes we’re making for Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. There are no changes for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

Starting April 15, 2026, Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with advanced reasoning will become generally available. Copilot Chat usage will be governed by standard access to help ensure a reliable experience for all customers. As part of standard access, users may also see in-product notifications for the Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

If you want priority access for your users, you can provide them with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. If you wish to disable Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you may do so using existing admin controls.

We are also adding in-product labels to help end users and admins identify their user experience. We are labeling the experience for users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license as “M365 Copilot (Basic)” and labeling the experience for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license as “M365 Copilot (Premium)”.

[When will this happen:]

These changes will go into effect starting April 15, 2026.

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected:

• Affected users are those without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license are not impacted.

What will happen:

• Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with advanced reasoning will be available for your users. Usage will be governed by standard access to ensure a reliable experience for all customers.
• Users will see in-product notifications for the Microsoft 365 Copilot license as part of standard access.
• Users will see the “M365 Copilot (Basic)” label in-product to help them identify their experience.

[What you can do to prepare:]

These changes will take effect April 15, 2026. No action is required for this change.

As noted above, Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be governed by standard access. If you want priority access for your users, you can provide them with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

If you wish to manage the in-product notification experience, you can learn more about how to manage self-service purchases and trials or how to set up license requests for your users.

If you wish to disable Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you may do so with existing admin controls.

Source: Microsoft

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