MC1183295 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

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.

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Details

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.

Body (from Message Center)

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.

user settings

[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.

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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    "ai_topics": [
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      "Copilot Chat"
    ],
    "category": "stayInformed",
    "details_map": {
      "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\u2019s enabled by default for all Commercial SKU users with no admin action needed."
    },
    "id": "MC1183295",
    "importance": 4,
    "is_major_change": false,
    "last_modified": "2025-11-21T17:47:45Z",
    "ms_products": [
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    "platforms": null,
    "roadmap_ids": [],
    "services": [
      "Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)",
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    ],
    "severity": "normal",
    "tags": [
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    "title": "(Updated) Introducing the Explore Pane in Microsoft 365 Copilot"
  }
}