Microsoft 365 Copilot Is Now Part of Your Standard App Install: Here’s What to Expect
Significant changes are on the horizon for Microsoft 365 commercial customers as Microsoft deepens the integration of its powerful AI assistant, Copilot. In a move designed to make its AI capabilities more accessible, the company has announced that the Microsoft Copilot app will soon be automatically installed as part of the standard Microsoft 365 Apps package.
This strategic shift signals a new era for workplace productivity, placing AI tools directly at the fingertips of users. If your organization uses Microsoft 365, this update will impact your software deployment and user experience. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know to prepare.
What’s Changing with the Copilot App?
Starting this fall, the Microsoft Copilot application will be included by default with new and existing installations of Microsoft 365 Apps. This means that when you update or install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other suite applications, the Copilot app will be installed alongside them.
This new application provides a dedicated experience for Microsoft Copilot with Graph-grounded chat. Unlike the Copilot features embedded within individual apps like Teams or Outlook, this app offers a centralized hub for interacting with the AI, allowing it to draw context from your entire universe of business data—emails, meetings, chats, and documents—to provide comprehensive and relevant answers.
Key takeaways of the update include:
- Automatic Installation: The Copilot app will be added to user devices as part of regular Microsoft 365 Apps updates for commercial customers.
- Centralized AI Hub: It provides a unified interface for the powerful Graph-grounded chat capabilities.
- Seamless Integration: The app will appear in the app launcher alongside other familiar Office applications, making it easy for users to find and access.
Key Details for IT Administrators and Businesses
While this update is designed for convenience, IT administrators will retain control over its deployment. Understanding the specifics is crucial for a smooth rollout and to avoid any confusion among your users.
Deployment Control Remains with Admins: If your organization is not yet ready to deploy the Copilot app, you are not forced into it. IT administrators can use familiar tools like Group Policy or Microsoft Intune to exclude the Copilot app from Microsoft 365 Apps installations. This allows you to manage the rollout according to your own timeline and readiness strategy.
A License is Still Required for Full Functionality: It is critical to understand that the installation of the app does not automatically grant users a Copilot license. Users will still need an active “Copilot for Microsoft 365” license to unlock its features. Without a license, the app will be present but will not provide the premium, Graph-grounded chat functionality.
This Complements, Not Replaces, Existing Integrations: The new standalone app does not change or remove the Copilot experiences already built into apps like Word, Excel, and Teams. Instead, it serves as an additional, powerful entry point for leveraging Microsoft’s AI across your organization’s data.
Actionable Steps to Prepare for the New Copilot App
This change represents a significant step in making AI a core component of the modern digital workplace. To ensure your organization is prepared, consider the following steps:
- Review Your Deployment Strategy: Discuss with your IT team whether you want to allow the Copilot app to install automatically or if you prefer to manage its deployment manually. Check your Microsoft 365 Apps update channels and configurations to confirm your approach.
- Communicate with Your Users: Proactively inform your employees about the upcoming change. Prepare internal communications explaining what the new Copilot app is, what it does, and which users (i.e., those with licenses) will be able to use it. This will help manage expectations and reduce potential help desk inquiries.
- Verify Your Licensing: Take this opportunity to review your current Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing. Ensure that licenses are assigned to the correct users and plan for any additional licenses you may need as adoption grows.
Ultimately, the automatic installation of the Copilot app is a clear indicator of Microsoft’s vision for an AI-powered future. By understanding the changes and preparing in advance, organizations can harness this powerful new tool to drive innovation and enhance productivity across the board.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-to-force-install-the-microsoft-365-copilot-app-in-october/
