Summary
- Copilot Cowork adds an effort-level picker in the compose experience, letting users choose Light, Medium, or higher effort for different task types.
- The change is available to users with access to Copilot Cowork across web, Windows, and Mac.
- Selected effort level affects response quality, response speed, and usage consumption; existing model availability and governance controls are unchanged.
- No admin configuration or deployment action is required, but IT may want to brief users on when to use each effort level.
Microsoft Copilot Cowork now lets users select effort levels (Light, Medium, High) in the model picker to control response quality, speed, and usage. This feature, rolling out globally by late August 2026, requires no admin action but may need user guidance on effort selection.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1461699
Primary Service: M365 Copilot
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 25 Aug 2026
Release End: 25 Aug 2026
Last Modified: August 26, 2026
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New feature, User impact
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
History
8/25/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Copilot Cowork now includes effort levels in the model picker, giving users more control over how Cowork responds to different types of work. Users can select Light effort for simpler tasks, keep Medium effort for everyday work, or choose higher effort levels when more complex analysis and reasoning are needed. This enhancement helps users balance response quality, speed, and usage consumption based on the needs of each task.
The model picker is integrated directly into the compose experience, making effort selection available where users start working. Medium is usually the default effort level but this may vary across models to meet the Cowork quality bar. A user’s selected effort level persists across future Cowork tasks until they change it. Effort levels are rolling out in Copilot Cowork for web, Windows, and Mac.
Rollout Schedule
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late August 2026 and is expected to complete by late August 2026.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected
Users with access to Copilot Cowork.
Platforms/Services
Microsoft Copilot Cowork.
- Users will be able to select an effort level directly from the model picker in the compose experience.
- The selected effort level influences the balance between response quality, response speed, and usage consumption.
- Credit usage varies based on the actual work performed and is not tied to a fixed cost per effort level.
- Existing model availability and governance controls remain unchanged.
Action Required / Recommendations
No admin action is required.
Organizations may want to inform users about the new effort level options and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate level for different work scenarios.
Compliance Considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.