(Updated) Open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Updated April 23, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction]

We are updating the file-opening experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. When users click on cited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint content in Copilot Chat, the file currently opens in a new browser tab. With this update, supported files can open directly within Copilot chat to streamline viewing. This change does not apply to Copilot Mobile, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, or Copilot in PowerPoint.

[When this will happen:]

General Availability (Worldwide): rollout will begin in mid-April 2026 (previously late February) and is expected to complete by early May 2026 (previously early March).

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected:

• Users who access and open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file citations within Copilot Chat in the web experience.
• A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required to use this feature.

What will happen:

• Supported Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will open directly inside Copilot Chat instead of opening in a new browser tab.
• This enhancement does not change permissions, data access, or existing configuration.
• The feature will be enabled by default.
• There is no change to Copilot Mobile, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, or Copilot in PowerPoint.

[What you can do to prepare:]

No admin action is required for this update.

• Notify helpdesk or training teams about the streamlined in-Copilot Chat file-opening experience.
• Update internal documentation if it describes file citation behavior.

[Compliance considerations:]

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