M365 Copilot: How to Access

Contents

Overview

Beginning April 15, 2026, Microsoft is changing how Copilot is accessed within Microsoft 365 applications.

This change affects where Copilot appears and which features are available, depending on whether a user has a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Copilot is not being removed, but the experience may look different for some users.

 

What Is Changing?

  • Users without a paid Copilot license will no longer see Copilot embedded directly in:
    • Word
    • Excel
    • PowerPoint
    • OneNote
  • These users will instead access Copilot Chat (Basic) through the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
 

What Is Not Changing?

  • Copilot is not being disabled or removed
  • Copilot in Outlook remains available for all users with Copilot Chat access
  • Email and calendar assistance in Outlook will continue and expand for many users

Copilot License Differences

Copilot Chat (Basic)

For users without a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license:

  • Access through the Microsoft 365 Copilot app
  • Limited features compared to Premium
  • Not embedded directly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote

M365 Copilot (Premium)

For users with a paid license:

  • Full Copilot functionality
  • Embedded directly in Microsoft 365 desktop and web apps
  • Broader data access and advanced features
 

Outlook Experience

All Copilot Chat users (Basic and Premium) can continue using Copilot in Outlook to:

  • Summarize emails
  • Ask questions about inbox and calendar
  • Get meeting insights
  • Perform limited actions directly in Outlook
 

Who Is Impacted?

This change may impact:

  • Students
  • Faculty
  • Staff

The level of impact depends on whether the user has a paid Microsoft Copilot license.

 

Do I Need to Take Any Action?

No action is required.

Users should simply be aware that:

  • Copilot may appear in a different location
  • Some features may be labeled differently (Basic vs Premium)
  • The Microsoft 365 Copilot app may be the primary access point for Copilot Chat
 

Common Questions

Is Copilot being taken away?

No. Copilot remains available, but access points and features may change depending on licensing.

Why is Microsoft making this change?

Microsoft is clarifying the difference between free Copilot Chat capabilities and paid Microsoft 365 Copilot features to reduce confusion for users.

 

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance:

  • Call 817‑515‑8324 (TECH)
Print Article