Microsoft Copilot Chat changes

Microsoft have announced that it is making changes to the Copilot Chat experience across most Microsoft 365 apps, starting on April 15, 2026.

Copilot will no longer be available within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for Copilot Chat users.  OP Staff & Learners will still have access to Copilot Chat via the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, Outlook and the Copilot Chat webpage.

Unfortunately to ensure a high-quality experience, Microsoft are reserving the full Copilot experience in these apps for users with a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

What will happen:

• Copilot will no longer be available within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. It will remain available in the Microsoft 365 Copilot apps and Outlook.
• Users will see the “Copilot Chat (Basic)” label in-product to help them identify their experience.

Microsoft regularly change product offerings so this may change again in the future.