Microsoft has officially transitioned its flagship productivity application from the Microsoft 365 app to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, marking a major shift in how artificial intelligence is positioned within its productivity ecosystem. The change highlights Microsoft’s strategy to place Copilot at the centre of everyday work experiences.
What Has Changed
The most visible change is the new name and branding. The Microsoft 365 app is now called the Microsoft 365 Copilot app across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Along with the name, the app icon and interface elements have been updated to reflect Copilot’s growing role.
Despite the rebranding, core productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive remain unchanged in functionality.
Why Microsoft Is Making This Shift
Microsoft’s goal is to make AI assistance a default part of productivity, rather than an optional add-on. By integrating Copilot directly into the main Microsoft 365 app, users can access AI-powered features more seamlessly while creating documents, analysing data, preparing presentations, or managing emails.
This move reflects the company’s broader push to embed generative AI into everyday workflows for both individuals and organisations.
What Copilot Brings To The App
The Microsoft 365 Copilot app combines traditional productivity tools with AI-driven capabilities such as:
- Drafting and summarising documents
- Generating insights from spreadsheets
- Creating presentation outlines and content
- Answering questions using workplace files and data
- Assisting with planning and idea generation through conversational prompts
These features aim to reduce repetitive tasks and help users focus on higher-value work.
Who Can Use Copilot Features
Copilot availability depends on the type of Microsoft 365 subscription. Business and enterprise users with eligible plans can access Copilot features as part of their licensed services. Personal and family subscribers may also see Copilot tools, though access can vary by region and plan type.
Users without Copilot access will still see the renamed app but will continue using standard Microsoft 365 features without AI assistance.
What This Means For Existing Users
For most users, the transition happens automatically through app updates. Files, settings, and accounts remain intact, and no manual migration is required. The overall experience remains familiar, with Copilot positioned as an additional layer rather than a replacement for existing tools.
A Clear Signal Of Microsoft’s AI-First Strategy
The transition to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app signals a long-term commitment to AI-driven productivity. By making Copilot central to its ecosystem, Microsoft is redefining how users interact with everyday work tools.
