Microsoft Outlook: Enhanced search experience with Copilot in Classic Outlook

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Classic Outlook will gain a Copilot side pane after searches, showing AI-generated summaries from documents and Teams messages. Users can interact and ask follow-up questions. The feature, enabled by default for Microsoft 365 AI SKU users, rolls out from mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026.

We’re introducing a new Copilot experience in Classic Outlook to help users get more value from their search results. After executing a search, users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane, where they can view a large language model (LLM)-based summary of their results. This includes content from documents, Teams messages, and more. Users can also ask follow-up questions and interact with the content directly in the Copilot pane.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 510107.

When this will happen:

General Availability: We will begin rolling out mid-December 2025 and expect to complete rollout by mid-February 2026.

How this affects your organization:

Who is affected: Users of Classic Outlook who are licensed with the Microsoft 365 AI SKU.

What will happen:

  • Users will see an entry point to the Copilot side pane after they execute a search.
  • The pane will display an LLM-generated summary of search results, including content from documents and Teams messages.
  • Users will be able to ask follow-up questions and interact with the summarized content.
  • The feature will be enabled by default; no admin action will be required to turn it on.
  • AI generation of content within the pane will be opt-in.

Screenshot - Copilot pane showing AI-generated summary in Classic Outlook:

user settings

What you can do to prepare:
  • Confirm that affected users have the required Microsoft 365 AI SKU.
  • Communicate this change to helpdesk staff.
  • Update internal documentation if you detail Outlook search functionality.
  • No admin controls are available to disable the feature; however, users must opt in to AI-generated content.
Compliance considerations:

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

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