Table of Contents
Summary
- Voice feature enables natural conversations with Microsoft 365 Copilot across desktop and web apps, starting with Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- All Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users can initiate voice chats, but there are no admin controls to disable this feature.
- Users can continue voice chats in the background, though audio may be interrupted by other apps, and background noise suppression is included.
- Text transcripts from voice conversations will be managed similarly to text chats within Copilot.
- Privacy measures are advised; organizations should review data protection and communicate benefits to users.
Admin Impact: Medium
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 01 Dec 2025
Release End: 31 Jan 2026
Services: M365 Copilot
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New Feature, User Adoption, Admin Action
History
11/22/2025 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Introduction
In early November, we announced voice in the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app. Now we’re expanding that offering to Microsoft 365 Copilot app on desktop and the web, as well as in the Microsoft 365 apps, starting with Word and PowerPoint on desktop and web and Outlook on desktop, web, and mobile.
Voice enables Microsoft 365 Copilot users to have natural, back-and-forth conversations with Copilot simply by speaking. It lets you quickly capture your ideas, whether you’re brainstorming, drafting a response, or preparing for a meeting. Just say “help me prepare for my next meeting” to get an instant response from Work IQ, grounded in your work data, context, and preferences.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 516569.
When this will happen
- Public Preview: Rollout began in November 2025 and is expected to complete in December 2025.
- General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in December 2025 and is expected to complete in January 2026.
How this will affect your organization
Who is affected: All Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users.
What will happen
- Users can start a voice conversation with Copilot by selecting Start a new voice chat in the Copilot input box.
- There is no admin control to disable this feature at the tenant or group level.
- Voice in Microsoft 365 Copilot is available only for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users.
- Text transcripts from voice conversations are stored and managed the same way as text conversations in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.
- Users can continue a voice chat in the background while moving between apps or with a locked screen on desktop.
- Audio from voice chats will be interrupted if users play audio from another app.
- Background noise suppression is included, but background speech may still be picked up.
- Voice is available in all languages supported by Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- While in voice chat, Copilot can respond using existing memories stored in user Personalization settings. Users cannot modify or edit memories from voice chats yet due to privacy considerations.
What you need to do to prepare
- Review how privacy and security of organizational data is protected when using this feature: Data, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft Learn.
- Communicate the availability and benefits of this feature to your users.
- Remind users to ensure microphone permissions and device settings are compatible with voice activation.
Learn more: Voice turns Microsoft 365 Copilot into your thought partner
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.