MC1470885 - M365 Copilot: Tell Copilot what you need directly from the Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1470885.

MS Message Center's Summary

Microsoft is introducing a new prompt input directly on the Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling faster contextual content creation across Windows, macOS, and web platforms. The rollout begins in September 2026 and concludes by December 2026. Because this feature is enabled by default with no separate administrative control, administrators should update internal support documentation and inform end users about the new interaction methods and keyboard shortcuts.

Administrator impact
No direct administrator action is required.
End user impact
Eligible users will notice a new prompt input and contextual actions attached to the Copilot button in Office apps.
Importance
3/10: This change introduces a new user interface element and functionality for Microsoft 365 Copilot that requires updates to internal training and support materials.

Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat setting

Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot documentation

Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in Microsoft 365 apps documentation

Microsoft Summary

Microsoft 365 Copilot adds a new prompt input directly on the Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for faster, contextual content creation. Rolling out worldwide from September to December 2026 on Windows, macOS, and web, it requires no admin action but updates to training and documentation.

Message Center ID
MC1470885
Category
plan For Change
Severity
normal
Services
Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365), Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
Tags
New feature, User impact
Published
2026-09-11
Last updated
2026-09-11
Expires
2027-02-22

[What and Why:] Microsoft is making Copilot more accessible within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by adding a new prompt input directly to the Copilot button and providing contextual prompt experiences when users select content. This update helps users engage with Microsoft 365 Copilot without leaving their workflow, enabling faster content creation, editing, and task completion. This change supports personal and team productivity by bringing Copilot assistance directly into the document experience. [Rollout Schedule:] General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins September 2026 and is expected to complete by the end of December 2026. Available in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on Windows desktop, macOS, and web. Rollout may occur on different platforms at different times. [Impact on Your Organization:] Who is affected: Microsoft 365 users eligible for Microsoft 365 Copilot using Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on Windows desktop, macOS, or web. Platforms/Services: Microsoft 365 Copilot Word Excel PowerPoint Windows desktop macOS desktop Web What will happen: Users will see a new prompt input attached to the Copilot button. Users can type or dictate prompts without opening the Copilot pane. Users can reference Microsoft 365 content directly from the prompt input experience. When content is selected in Word or PowerPoint, a contextual Copilot input will appear. Suggested actions such as Rewrite and Shorten will be shown when appropriate. Windows shortcut: Alt + C . Mac shortcut: Command + Control + I . The feature is enabled by default for eligible users. Existing Copilot administration controls continue to apply. No separate admin control is available for the prompt input experience. [Action Required / Recommendations:] No admin action is required. Update user training and adoption materials. Update help desk documentation. Review the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat setting . Communicate the change to end users. Review Manage Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat documentation . Review Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in Microsoft 365 apps documentation . Review The Copilot Dynamic Action Button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documentation . [Compliance Considerations:] New generative AI interaction entry points are introduced. The update expands how users invoke existing Copilot capabilities. Existing admin controls remain available through the Pin Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat setting.