Table of Contents
Summary
- A unified plus (+) menu is being introduced for Microsoft 365 Copilot, consolidating grounding options, tools, and data sources in one location.
- The Tools menu will no longer exist separately, simplifying the workflow for users.
- The new menu will be enabled by default; no admin action is required.
- Existing admin policies regarding Copilot input sources will remain unchanged.
- Administrators should inform helpdesk and training teams about this update and adjust any internal documentation accordingly.
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 28 Feb 2026
Release End: 15 Mar 2026
Services: M365 Copilot, M365 Copilot Chat
Category: Stay informed
Tags: Feature Update, User Adoption
History
2/5/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Updated February 6, 2026: We have updated the image below. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
Microsoft is introducing a unified plus (+) menu to make it easier for users to add grounding, tools, and sources when prompting in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Grounding refers to the content users connect to Copilot—such as files, sites, or other organizational data—that helps improve response relevance. This update consolidates related actions into a single menu, improving discoverability and streamlining the workflow for adding entities or updating inputs. This simplified menu will be available for Copilot Chat users (without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license) and Microsoft 365 Copilot users (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license).
Note: The Tools menu will be consolidated under the unified plus (+) menu and no longer exist as a separate menu in the prompt box after this change.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in late February 2026 and is expected to complete by mid‑March 2026.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected:
Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot users that rely on the unified plus (+) menu.
What will happen:
- Users will see a redesigned and unified plus (+) menu.
- Grounding options, tools, and data sources will be consolidated in one menu.
- Users will be able to add entities and update sources from this unified location.
- The feature will be enabled by default and replaces the current experience; no admin configuration is required.
- Existing admin policies related to Copilot input sources remain unchanged.
What you can do to prepare
No action is required for administrators.
- Inform helpdesk and training teams about the unified plus (+) menu layout.
- Update internal documentation or screenshots that reference the previous menu.
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.