New Year, New Momentum: Here are three Copilot updates to get you started into 2026

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It's a new year, so I thought I'd start the year by mentioning three features already released, or soon going to be released. One of the features improves the workflow of sharing files with comments, the other improves the application specific Copilot, and the last feature makes it easer to find the nest available timeslot for a 1:1 meeting. As with all of my other posts, timelines can shift, and the timelines in this post is as written in the Message Center at the time of posting. AI-Summary experience when sharing files. With this new feature, copilot intent to help users share files with clearer context in just a few steps. Users will get the capability to generate a concise summary of a file and include it when sharing from the File Explorer share dialog or the OneDrive activity center. This will make it easier to share the context of a file and giving the receiver a faster understanding of what a document or file contains before they open it. General Availability announced...

Four Microsoft 365 Copilot Features That Will Make Your Workflow Easier

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Microsoft has announced four Copilot updates, some already live or in preview, others rolling out soon, that are designed to simplify tasks, improve control, and boost productivity. These enhancements include smarter content referencing, flexible reasoning modes, customizable response scoping, and integrated meeting scheduling. Timelines may change, so keep an eye on official updates. 

Copilot Chat Enhancements: Reference Files and Emails Easily

Copilot Chat for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license is being enhanced by introducing quick access to emails directly in prompts. By typing “/” in the prompt box, users can search and reference relevant content without manual uploads, improving prompt quality and Copilot responses. Suggested prompts beneath the input box will also include relevant files or emails for faster starts. This capability will surely reduce friction and ensure responses are grounded in the right context (Also now known as ContextIQ).

This update is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 497112 (files) and 500377 (emails). Files are already available, while email access, originally planned for mid-September through late October, is now postponed to early October through late November. I have seen both features in a couple tenants, but not all. So it might take a couple of more days before you see it in your own tenant. 
Learn more in the official documentation.

Reasoning Modes in Copilot

As announced earlier, GPT‑5 is now becoming default model, and Microsoft is introducing a new capability that allows users to select how much reasoning Copilot applies. 
Users can now choose among three modes: Auto (default), Quick response, and Think deeper. The rollout for this feature began December 4, 2025, and is expected to complete within a week or two. 

This update is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 532736. 

Content Source Selection for Copilot Chat

Microsoft is introducing a new capability that allows users to scope Copilot Chat responses by selecting specific content sources. This enhancement improves relevance and transparency by limiting responses to user‑selected sources, addressing feedback for more customizable AI interactions.

This feature is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 496596. Originally planned for late November through mid‑December, rollout is now postponed to mid‑December through late December 2025.

Meeting Scheduling Directly from Copilot Chat

Microsoft is introducing the ability to schedule meetings directly from Copilot Chat, reducing context switching and improving collaboration. Users can find available times, book rooms, draft agendas, and send invites, all without leaving the chat experience. General Availability rollout began in late November 2025 and is expected to complete by late January 2026. 

The feature will be on by default once enabled, with no admin configuration required. Existing calendar and meeting policies remain respected. 

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