MC1183295 High
(Updated) Introducing the Explore Pane in Microsoft 365 Copilot
Summary AI-generated
Microsoft 365 Copilot app adds an Explore Pane for guided, contextual help in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules, rolling out by late December 2025; feature is on by default.
Suggested actions AI-generated
- Inform users about the Explore Pane
- Share how to reopen Explore Pane via Settings
- Update internal documentation or training
Written by Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1) from the text of the post below. It can be incomplete or wrong; the original post is authoritative.
Similar posts
Search for more like this- MC1155433 (Updated) Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Use Copilot with OneDrive files in File Explorer and Activity Center
- MC1176366 (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: Enhanced search experience with Copilot in Classic Outlook
- MC1189000 Updated UI for Copilot Chat entry point in Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps
- MC1392570 Microsoft 365 Copilot: Copilot surfaces a summarized answer above your search results
- MC1185440 Copilot in Microsoft OneNote for Windows Desktop Update
- MC1173931 (Updated) Copilot Pages: New feature—M365 Copilot Chat can now answer questions about the currently open page
Original post from Microsoft
Updated November 21, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We’re introducing the Explore Pane, a new side panel in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app designed to help users discover how to use Copilot effectively. This guided experience supports users in building confidence and unlocking the value of AI through contextual, step-by-step journeys across the Create, Search, and Notebooks modules. This enhancement aligns with our goal to make Copilot more approachable and valuable for all users.
[When this will happen:]
- Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rolling out from early December 2025 (previously mid-November), expected to complete by late December 2025 (previously late November).
[How this affects your organization:]
- Who is affected: All users of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Web, Windows, and Mac desktop platforms with Commercial SKUs (Starter and Premium).
- What will happen:
- Users will see a new Explore Pane when navigating to the Create, Search, or Notebooks modules.
- The pane provides guided, contextual steps to help users get started and find value in each module.
- The feature is on by default; no admin action is required.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No admin controls or policy updates are required.
- You may wish to:
- Inform users about the new guided experience.
- Share how to reopen the Explore Pane via the Settings menu.
- Update internal documentation or training materials if you include guidance on using Copilot.
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
Additional details from Microsoft
- Summary
- Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces the Explore Pane, a guided side panel in Create, Search, and Notebooks modules to help users navigate AI features. Rolling out worldwide from early to late December 2025, it’s enabled by default for all Commercial SKU users with no admin action needed.