(Updated) Microsoft Viva: Copilot Analytics – Manager role license requirement update for team views

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

[What and Why:]

We are updating Viva Insights Copilot Analytics to remove the Viva Insights license requirement for managers to access team views. After this change, eligible managers and their delegates can access manager-scoped Copilot Analytics insights without requiring an assigned Viva Insights license or service plan.

This update reduces access barriers, supports broader Copilot adoption across organizations, and enables admins to more accurately define and manage the eligible manager population—while continuing to respect existing admin controls and manager settings.

Since additional users may be identified as group managers following this change, these newly identified GMs may receive onboarding communications from Microsoft; see MC1400831 – "Microsoft Viva Insights: New onboarding email for group managers in Copilot Analytics" for details.

[Rollout Schedule:]

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC):  We will begin rolling out in mid-July 2026 and expect to complete by early August 2026 (previously late July)

During this period, the rollout will occur in two phases: the license requirement for managers will be removed first, followed by the requirement removal for individuals on a manager's team.

[Impact on Your Organization:]

Who is affected:

• Administrators and leaders using Viva Insights Copilot Analytics
• Organizations with manager-scoped insights enabled
• Users permitted through Viva Insights VFAM controls
• Tenants with at least 50 Microsoft 365 Copilot (Premium) licenses or 50 Viva Insights licenses assigned

Platforms/Services:

• Viva Insights (web)
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Analytics

What will happen:

• The license requirement for managers to access team insights views will be removed (phase 1: removal of license requirement for managers; phase 2: removal of license requirement for individuals on managers' teams).
• Eligible managers and delegates will gain access based on admin configuration, not license assignment.
• The feature will be enabled by default.
• Admins can manage access through the Manager settings page in Viva Insights.
• Existing admin controls and manager settings will continue to be respected.

[Action Required / Recommendations:]

No immediate action is required. We recommend that you:

• Review the update and assess impact on reporting, governance, and manager access policies.
• Verify access to manager-scoped team views in Viva Insights admin settings.
• Communicate the change to newly eligible managers.
• Engage your works council or employee representatives, if applicable.

Learn more: Configure manager settings | Microsoft Learn (will be updated prior to rollout)

[Compliance considerations:]

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