Microsoft 365 Message Center item MC1247637
MC1247637 - (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Draft and send Outlook email directly in Copilot Chat
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat will enable drafting, editing, and sending Outlook emails directly within the chat starting early May 2026. This feature, on by default for licensed users with Exchange Online on desktop, streamlines email workflows without requiring admin changes or affecting compliance.
- Message Center ID
- MC1247637
- Category
- stay Informed
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
- Tags
- Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact
- Published
- 2026-03-09
- Last updated
- 2026-03-23
- Expires
- 2026-07-13
Updated March 23, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. [Introduction]We’re enhancing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat by enabling users to draft, edit, and send Outlook email directly within Copilot Chat. When Microsoft 365 Copilot identifies an email‑writing intent, it will open an embedded Outlook compose form. This improvement reduces context switching and streamlines everyday communication workflows.[When this will happen]General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early May 2026 (previously late March) and is expected to complete by early June 2026 (previously late April).[How this will affect your organization]Who is affectedUsers licensed for Microsoft 365 CopilotUsers with Exchange Online mailboxesUsers accessing Copilot Chat on desktop (“big screen”)What will happenWhen users ask Copilot to draft an email, an embedded Outlook compose form will appear directly within Copilot Chat: Users will be able to:Edit the email contentModify recipientsSend the email from within Copilot ChatOpen the draft in Outlook to continue editingThe feature will be on by default for all eligible users.Availability:Available: Copilot Chat desktop appNot available: Copilot Chat mobile app or chat sidebarExisting Outlook and Exchange Online policies—including DLP—continue to apply.No admin configuration changes or new controls are introduced.Note: Access to this feature requires an active Microsoft 365 Copilot license.[What you can do to prepare]No action is required.You may choose to:Inform your helpdesk and end users about this new email‑drafting experience in Copilot Chat.Update internal documentation if you describe Copilot Chat workflows.Review which users in your organization are licensed for Microsoft 365 Copilot.[Compliance considerations]No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.