Microsoft 365 Copilot: Copilot surfaces a summarized answer above your search results

Microsoft 365 Copilot will enhance summarized answers above search results with more concise, scannable responses and improved UI for continuing conversations in Copilot chat. This update, rolling out worldwide from late July to August 2026, is enabled by default with no admin changes required.

[What and Why]

We are improving how Copilot surfaces a summarized answer above your search results in Copilot Search within the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on web and desktop. These updates provide more concise, scannable responses and a clearer path to continue the conversation in Copilot chat. This helps users quickly understand key insights and move into deeper exploration, improving productivity and decision making with AI grounded in organizational context.

[Rollout Schedule]

General Availability (Worldwide):

• Rollout will begin in late July 2026
• Expected completion by late August 2026

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

• All users with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot in your tenant

Platforms/Services

• Microsoft 365 Copilot app
• Web and desktop
• Copilot Search and Copilot chat

What will happen

• The summarized answer surfaced above your search results will be shorter and easier to scan:

  

• Users will see improved UI emphasis on continuing conversations in Copilot chat via the right-hand sidebar.
• Users can instantly continue in Copilot chat from the summarized answer with full context preserved to explore details or ask follow up questions.
• The feature will be enabled by default.
• There will be no changes to existing admin controls or policies.

[Action Required/Recommendations]

No action is required.

Recommended steps:

• Inform your users about improved Copilot Search experiences.
• Update internal documentation if you reference Copilot Search functionality.
• Review Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption materials as needed.

Learn more: Microsoft 365 Copilot Search | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Learn

[Compliance Considerations]

Question	Answer
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI or ML capabilities that interact with customer data?	Yes. Improves existing Copilot AI response formatting and interaction by making answers more concise and enhancing continuation into chat.
Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?	Yes. Provides a more prominent and seamless way to continue interactions in Copilot chat from search results.