Updated February 3, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To help users better prepare for upcoming meetings, Microsoft is enhancing the Up Next card experience in Microsoft 365. A new Prepare button will replace the Join button up to 5 minutes before a meeting starts, offering a one-tap way to access Copilot’s meeting preparation tools. This update supports improved productivity and readiness, aligning with feedback for more proactive meeting support.
Screenshot 1: Tap Prepare in Up Next.
Screenshot 2: Users can prepare with Copilot Chat.
[When this will happen:]
- General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins March 2026 (previously early February) and is expected to complete by end of March 2026 (previously late February).
[How this affects your organization:]
- Who is affected: Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot Premium license.
- What will happen:
- The Up Next card will display a Prepare button instead of Join until 5 minutes before a meeting.
- This button provides quick access to Copilot’s meeting preparation features.
- No changes to admin settings or policies are required.
- The feature is enabled by default for eligible users.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No admin action is required at this time.
- You may wish to:
- Inform helpdesk and support teams of the upcoming change.
- Share this support article with users: Prepare for your meeting with Copilot
- Update internal documentation if you reference the Up Next card or meeting workflows.
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
