Microsoft Expands Copilot Chat to All Microsoft 365 Business Users

Reviewed byNidhi Govil

8 Sources

Share

Microsoft has rolled out Copilot Chat, an AI-powered assistant, to all Microsoft 365 business users at no additional cost. This integration brings AI capabilities directly into Office apps, enhancing productivity and workflow.

News article

Microsoft Introduces Free Copilot Chat for Microsoft 365 Business Users

Microsoft has announced a significant expansion of its AI capabilities, rolling out Copilot Chat to all Microsoft 365 business users at no additional cost

1

2

. This move brings AI-powered assistance directly into popular Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with these tools

3

.

Key Features and Functionality

Copilot Chat is designed to be a content-aware AI assistant that understands the context of the user's current work

1

. It appears as a sidebar within Office applications, allowing users to engage in conversations about their documents, spreadsheets, or presentations without switching between apps

4

.

Some notable features include:

  • The ability to reference other files by typing '/' in the chat prompt

    1

  • Support for uploading multiple images for visual sharing

    1

  • An expanded input box for longer, more complex prompts

    5

  • Access to interactive Pages canvas and image generation capabilities

    1

Improvements in AI Responses

Microsoft has reported significant enhancements to Copilot's core functionality. Responses are now 30% longer with clearer structure and more citations, leading to an 11% increase in positive user ratings

5

. The system also uses the latest GPT-5 model, promising more advanced and accurate assistance

1

.

Differences Between Free and Premium Versions

While the basic Copilot Chat is now freely available to business users, Microsoft maintains a tiered system with additional benefits for premium subscribers

2

:

  1. Free Version:

    • Available in Office apps for all Microsoft 365 business users
    • Content-aware within the current document
    • Web-based information access
  2. Premium Version (Microsoft 365 Copilot license):

    • Access to all work data, including shared documents and communications
    • Advanced AI agents like Researcher and Analyst
    • Priority access to features and the GPT-5 model
    • Faster response times and better availability during peak usage

      2

      4

Implications for Productivity and Workflow

This integration of AI into Office apps represents a significant step in Microsoft's strategy to enhance productivity through AI assistance. By making Copilot Chat freely available, Microsoft is democratizing access to AI tools within its ecosystem, potentially leading to widespread adoption and changes in how users approach their daily tasks

3

4

.

Looking Ahead

Microsoft has indicated that this rollout is part of an ongoing effort to improve and expand AI capabilities across its products. The company plans to continue enhancing Edge browser performance and introducing more AI features in the coming months

5

. As these tools become more integrated into everyday work processes, they may significantly impact productivity and creativity in office environments worldwide.

TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo