Updated UI for Copilot Chat entry point in Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps
Microsoft 365 Message Center Archive by Merill Fernando · Microsoft may not have sent this notice to your tenant.Rollout
Rollout dates are often only in the text. When Microsoft moves them, the change shows under "What changed".
Schedule dates changed in the text
Date phrases in schedule sentences differ between the versions this installation saw- Seen 11 May 2026
late March 2026→ end of May 2026
Read from date phrases in Microsoft's text, not from notice metadata. A changed phrase can be a moved rollout, a new milestone or just rewording; "What changed" below shows which.
What the notice says
Microsoft’s text, with source markup removedWhat changed
Between archive captures, newest first- Tags
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact→ Updated message, Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Updated May 11, 2026: We have updated the timeline and content. Thank you for your patience. Introduction We’re updating the Copilot
Chatexperience in Microsoft 365 appsby movingwith simplified entry points for easier discovery and connection to Copilot in the context of working inside of Word, Excel, PowerPoint. In addition to the simplified UI outlined below, users will also see curated suggestions designed to help them get started with Copilot to edit their documents. We’re reducing the number of entry points to Copilot in Word, Excel and PowerPoint so Copilot feels consistent, predictable and integrated with in-app workflows. The new UI includes: A Copilot Dynamic Action Button (DAB) at the bottom-right corner of the screen replacing the static button in the ribbon.This is an always-available, in-app Copilot primary entry point. The button allows a user to "dock" or move it to the side when they want to focus on the content. A user can right-click the Copilot button and select Dock or drag the icon to dock to the right of the content (or left of content for right-to-left locales). To re-engage with Copilot, a user simply clicks the smaller icon or drag it back to the canvas. A contextual entry point on the canvas appears when a user selects text or takes action on canvas with Copilot. Suggested User Actions (SUAs) show on hover from the Copilot Dynamic Action Button to offer contextual prompts that help a user know how to engage with Copilot. Keyboard and screen reader access: The ability for to work with Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps when using a keyboard and screen readers has also been simplified. For users who have been using Alt + H, F, X to open the Copilot pane in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, they can now press F6 to give focus to the Copilot buttonout ofand then use theribbonup arrow to move between suggested prompts. Over time, Copilot keyboard shortcuts are being unified across Microsoft 365 apps and platforms, bringing consistency and supporting keyboard-first users and anyone using a screen reader. The updated shortcuts listed below are already available in Outlook and Word (Windows and Mac), with other apps coming soon. Platform Shortcut Action Windows (Win32 andintoWeb) Alt + C Sets focus on thedocumentCopilot button in the canvas.This change makesIf the Copilot Chateasierpane is already open, focus moves todiscoverthe chat box so you can begin typing immediately. Mac (Desktop anduse, and introduces curated, contextual prompt suggestions relevantWeb) Cmd + Control + I Sets focus on the Copilot button in the canvas. All platforms F6 Moves focus to thecurrent document or selection.Copilot button in the canvas. When this will happen: General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins early December 2025 and is expected to complete by end of May 2026 (previously lateMarch 2026.March). Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Web, Desktop, Mobile): rolloutwill startstarted forasmall % ofSmall Business and Enterpriseuserswithoutwith a Microsoft 365 Copilot licensewho haveand pinning enabled. These users will see the entry point for Copilot move … will continue the rollout progressively for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilotlicense in the new year.license. How this affects your organization: Who is affected: Microsoft 365 users of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint across web, desktop, and mobile who are eligible forCopilot Chat.Microsoft 365 Copilot. What will happen: The CopilotChatentry point will move from the app ribbon into the document canvas. Users will see a newCopilot iconbutton in the canvas to openCopilot Chat.Copilot. Contextual prompt suggestions will appear to help users engage withCopilot Chat.Copilot. The feature remains ON by default for eligible users across web, mobile, and desktop. Admins can still disable CopilotChatusing the “Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat” setting in the admin center. No changes to CopilotChatfunctionality or value. What you can do to prepare: No admin action …- Tags
Only details this page does not show changed.
- · first version seen
Linked documentation
Microsoft pages the notice links toThe notice links to no Microsoft Learn or Support page that this installation reads.
Related public evidence
No related evidence found in this installation's recent collection. This does not establish that no announcement exists.
Not confirmed here
What this page cannot tell you- Whether your tenant is affected: this is Microsoft's notice, not a check of your settings.