Table of Contents
Summary
- A new Copilot experience will be introduced in Classic Outlook to enhance search result value.
- Users will access a side pane with an LLM-generated summary of search results, including content from various sources.
- Follow-up questions and direct interaction with content will be possible in the Copilot pane.
- The feature will be enabled by default; no administrative action is needed, although AI-generated content will require user opt-in.
- Affected users must have the Microsoft 365 AI SKU to utilize this feature.
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 15 Dec 2025
Release End: 15 Feb 2026
Services: M365 Apps
Category: Plan for change
Tags: New Feature, User Adoption, Admin Action
History
10/20/2025 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
We’re introducing a new Copilot experience in Classic Outlook to help users get more value from their search results. After executing a search, users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane, where they can view a large language model (LLM)-based summary of their results. This includes content from documents, Teams messages, and more. Users can also ask follow-up questions and interact with the content directly in the Copilot pane.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 510107.
When this will happen
General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete rollout by mid-February 2026.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected: Users of Classic Outlook who are licensed with the Microsoft 365 AI SKU.
What will happen
- Users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane after they execute a search.
- The pane will display an LLM-generated summary of search results, including content from documents and Teams messages.
- Users will be able to ask follow-up questions and interact with the summarized content.
- The feature will be enabled by default; no admin action will be required to turn it on.
- AI generation of content within the pane will be opt-in.
What you can do to prepare
- Confirm that affected users have the required Microsoft 365 AI SKU.
- Communicate this change to helpdesk staff.
- Update internal documentation if you detail Outlook search functionality.
- No admin controls are available to disable the feature; however, users must opt in to AI-generated content.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.