Table of Contents
Summary
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Copilot Studio now support Anthropic models, offering more AI customization options.
- Admins must opt-in to enable Anthropic Claude models, which are disabled by default.
- Researcher can now leverage both OpenAI and Claude Opus 4.1.
- Copilot Studio introduces Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 in addition to existing OpenAI models.
- Use of Anthropic models is governed by separate terms, impacting data processing and compliance.
Admin Impact: High
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 24 Sept 2025
Release End: 24 Sept 2025
Services: M365 Copilot
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Feature Update, User Adoption, Admin Action
History
9/24/2025: Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Introduction
We’re expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot Researcher and Microsoft Copilot Studio to include Anthropic models. You can read more about this announcement in Expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
This update gives organizations more flexibility to tailor AI experiences to their needs. Researcher can now be powered by either OpenAI’s deep reasoning models or Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1. Claude in Researcher is rolling out today via the Frontier Program to Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers who opt in. In Copilot Studio, Claude Opus 4.1 and Sonnet 4 models are now available as optional model options in addition to existing options from OpenAI. Makers with Microsoft Copilot Studio licenses who opt in can now experiment with creating custom agents using Claude. Claude models in Microsoft Copilot Studio are currently in preview and not intended for production use.
When this will happen
- Rollout begins September 24, 2025. Admin opt-in required.
- Claude Opus 4.1 in Researcher is available today via the Frontier Program.
- Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 in Copilot Studio are in preview.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected:
- Admins managing Microsoft 365 Copilot, Researcher, and Microsoft Copilot Studio.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers participating in the Frontier Program.
What will happen
Researcher can now use:
- OpenAI deep reasoning models
- Anthropic Claude Opus 4.1 (opt-in required)
Microsoft Copilot Studio now supports:
- Claude Opus 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4 models (opt-in required; external preview)
- Existing OpenAI models remain available
Anthropic models are disabled by default until admins opt-in
Admins must opt-in via:
- Microsoft admin center (MAC)
- Once turned on in MAC, additional management controls for Microsoft Copilot Studio can be used in Power Platform admin center (PPAC)
Learn more about admin opt-in controls
Connect to Anthropic’s AI models | Microsoft Learn
Allow external large language models (LLMs) for generative responses | Microsoft Learn
Additional documentation
Choose an external model as the primary AI model | Microsoft Learn
Important: Claude models are hosted by Anthropic outside Microsoft-managed environments. Data used with Claude is processed outside Microsoft’s compliance and audit boundaries. This means Microsoft’s Product Terms, Data Protection Addendum, data residency commitments, data processing commitments (EUDB) do not apply to use of Anthropic models. Instead, your use is governed by Anthropic’s Commercial Terms of Service and Data Processing Addendum.