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(Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Add web links as references in Copilot Notebooks
MC1193414 · build prod-20251231-200323
Category
stayInformed
Severity
normal
Major change
False
Last modified
2026-04-28 21:02:37
Summary source
Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1)
Action by (Graph)
Action by (AI)
2026-01-15 00:00:00
Services
Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
Tags
Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Master tags
User, Admin, Copilot License
Roadmap IDs
516040

One-line summary

Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license can add public web links as references in Copilot Notebooks; rollout begins late May 2026 with feature enabled by default.

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Details

RoadmapIds
516040
Summary
Microsoft 365 Copilot Notebooks will allow users with a Copilot license to add public web links as references, expanding beyond file types like Word and Excel. This feature, enabled by default, will roll out worldwide from late May to end of May 2026. No specific preparation is needed.
Platforms
Web

Body (from Message Center)

Updated April 28, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction:]

We’re introducing the ability to add public web links as references in Microsoft Copilot Notebooks. This enhancement allows users to ground Copilot responses on specific public web pages, expanding the types of content that can be used to inform and contextualize their work.

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

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 516040.

[When this will happen:]

General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late May 2026 (previously late April) and is expected to complete by end of May 2026 (previously end of April).

[How this will affect your organization:]

Who is affected: All users of Microsoft Copilot Notebooks with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

What will happen:

  • Users will be able to add public web links as references in their Copilot Notebooks.
  • This expands current capabilities, which already support referencing Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other file types.
  • Users can now ground Copilot on public web content without needing to convert it to a file format (such as PDF).
  • The feature will be enabled by default.

[What you can do to prepare:]

No specific preparation is required. However, we recommend:

  • Informing users about the upcoming capability to enhance their productivity.
  • Updating internal documentation if you provide guidance on using Copilot Notebooks.

[Compliance considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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    "ai_summary": "Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license can add public web links as references in Copilot Notebooks; rollout begins late May 2026 with feature enabled by default.",
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      "Summary": "Microsoft 365 Copilot Notebooks will allow users with a Copilot license to add public web links as references, expanding beyond file types like Word and Excel. This feature, enabled by default, will roll out worldwide from late May to end of May 2026. No specific preparation is needed."
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    "title": "(Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: Add web links as references in Copilot Notebooks"
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