MC1188228 High Major change

(Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Summarize and share OneDrive files in Windows using Copilot

  • User
  • Admin
  • Copilot License

Summary AI-generated

Users with Microsoft 365 Copilot license can summarize files and share summaries via File Explorer and OneDrive activity center; rollout starts January 2026, no admin action needed.

Suggested actions AI-generated

  • Inform users about new summary-sharing
  • Update internal documentation
  • Review Copilot licensing

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.

Original post from Microsoft

Updated January 26, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

We’re bringing the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot directly into your daily file experience in Windows. This new feature enables users to generate summaries of files and share them directly from the share dialog in File Explorer and the OneDrive activity center. This enhancement is designed to streamline collaboration and improve productivity by making it easier to provide context when sharing files.

A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to access this feature.

When this will happen
  • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins in early January 2026 and is expected to complete by end of February 2026 (previously late January).
How this affects your organization:
  • Who is affected: All users of OneDrive and File Explorer in Windows with Microsoft 365 Copilot enabled.
  • What will happen:
    • Users will be able to summarize files and include the summary when sharing via File Explorer or OneDrive activity center:
    •  user settings

    • The feature is enabled by default.
    • No admin configuration is required.
What you can do to prepare

No admin action is required to enable this feature.

If your organization uses or plans to use Copilot, consider:

Compliance considerations
QuestionAnswer
Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Yes. This feature uses Microsoft 365 Copilot to generate summaries of user files, which involves AI processing of customer content.
Does the change provide users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Yes. Users can now generate and share AI-generated summaries directly from File Explorer and OneDrive activity center.

Additional details from Microsoft

Summary
Microsoft 365 Copilot will enable users to generate and share AI-generated file summaries directly from Windows File Explorer and OneDrive activity center starting January 2026. The feature is enabled by default, requires a Copilot license, and aims to enhance collaboration without needing admin setup.