Microsoft confirms automatic installation of Microsoft 365 Copilot on eligible Windows devices with Microsoft 365 desktop apps.

Microsoft has confirmed the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on eligible Windows devices with Microsoft 365 desktop apps, set to begin between mid-June and mid-July 2026. This move follows updates to deployment documentation, indicating a renewed commitment to integrating Copilot into user workflows.¹⁵⁶

The company has stated that administrators must opt out if they do not wish for the app to be installed automatically on organizational devices. This decision comes amidst previous criticisms regarding Microsoft's aggressive push for Copilot, which has seen changes in accessibility for various subscription tiers.³

Notably, users with Basic 365 subscriptions have experienced limitations, losing access to certain features of Copilot as of April 15, 2026. The Copilot AI button has been removed for these users, and the chat feature is restricted to internal app communication without web access. Furthermore, the European Economic Area (EEA) is exempt from these changes due to regulatory constraints like the Digital Markets Act.⁴

As Microsoft continues to refine its offerings, the rollout of Copilot aims to enhance productivity for users on eligible devices, while also navigating the complexities of subscription tiers and organizational sizes.