Microsoft Copilot Fall Update — What’s new (long-term memory, group chats, “Mico” and more)
Quick summary
Microsoft’s Copilot received a major consumer update that adds a persistent memory feature, collaborative group chats, a new friendly avatar called Mico, improved privacy controls, and expanded connectors so Copilot can use data from services like OneDrive and other connected accounts when you allow it. These additions aim to make Copilot more personal, collaborative and helpful across tasks. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
1. Long-term memory (what it is and how it helps)
“Long-term memory” means Copilot can remember preferences, ongoing projects, household or calendar details, and other facts you choose to save. That lets it follow up in later conversations — for example, remembering your preferred writing tone, recurring deadlines, or that you prefer vegetarian restaurant suggestions. The memory is optional and surfaced with controls so users can view or delete remembered items. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Practical examples
- Ask Copilot to "remind me about my project milestones" and it can reference previously shared milestones later.
- Tell Copilot you like short, bullet-style answers — it will apply that preference across future replies until you change it.
2. Copilot Groups — collaborative AI chats
Copilot Groups lets multiple people add Copilot to a single chat so the assistant can participate in group planning, brainstorming or study sessions. Microsoft describes these as collaborative spaces where Copilot can keep context for the group and help manage action items. Availability began in the U.S. consumer rollout and may expand to broader Microsoft 365 audiences in time. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. “Mico” — the new expressive avatar and voice persona
Copilot’s voice mode can now show an animated, friendly avatar named Mico. The avatar gives rapid emotional reactions and is designed to be supportive and helpful — a modern, toned-down successor to past Microsoft mascots. Mico appears primarily in voice interactions and some learning or tutoring modes. Microsoft emphasizes balancing personality with safety to avoid over-humanizing the assistant. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Connectors and search improvements
The update expands Copilot’s ability to connect to data sources (connectors) so it can look up files and calendar items from places like OneDrive, Gmail, Google Drive or connected accounts — only after you give permission. This makes Copilot better at grounding answers in your real documents and schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
5. Safety, privacy & controls
Microsoft says memory and personalization come with UI tools to view, manage and delete what Copilot remembers. There are also stronger grounding rules for sensitive topics (for example, Copilot will steer medical questions toward trusted sources and clearly label when it’s drawing from memory vs. a fresh web search). Enterprises and parents are encouraged to use policy guardrails when enabling new features. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What you can do
- Open Copilot settings → Memory & Personalization to see and delete stored items.
- Turn off memory or limit connectors if you prefer not to allow cross-account access.
- In group chats, ask the group whether Copilot can participate or be muted.
6. Availability & rollout
Microsoft rolled these features in its Fall release; initial availability favors U.S. consumers and Microsoft 365 Insiders, then wider rollouts follow based on region and product (consumer Copilot app, Windows, and Microsoft 365). Expect staged deployment rather than an immediate, global flip. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Typical rollout model Microsoft uses
Microsoft follows a multi-stage model for Copilot updates:
2. Staged consumer release — broad consumer rollouts begin in a small set of markets (often the U.S.) and expand over days or weeks. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
3. Enterprise deployment — businesses receive features with admin controls and optional delay windows so IT can test and configure policies. Memory/personalization features may be disabled by admins by default. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Recent timeline & notable rollout events (2025)
- Memory general availability (July 2025): Microsoft announced Copilot Memory reached general availability mid-2025 with admin and user controls for viewing, managing or clearing memory. Enterprises were given discovery/eDiscovery controls through Purview. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Microsoft 365 consumer inclusion (January 2025): Microsoft confirmed plans to include Copilot features as part of Microsoft 365 consumer plans (subscription changes and options followed). This shifted distribution strategy to include consumers more broadly. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Fall 2025 feature wave (October 2025): A large fall update introduced multiple features (group chats, Mico avatar, memory improvements) with initial availability prioritized for certain regions and Copilot app users; staged rollout details were published alongside release notes and blog posts. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Automatic Copilot app installation (October–November 2025): Microsoft announced an automatic install push for the Copilot app on Windows PCs running desktop Microsoft 365 versions during October into mid-November 2025 in many markets — with some regional exceptions such as EEA devices. Administrators in managed environments can block the install via the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center. This move affects personal users differently than enterprise-managed devices. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Region & feature nuance — what varies by country
Not all Copilot features arrive everywhere at once. Examples of regional/feature variance:
- Voice/avatar experiences (Mico): New voice and avatar features often launch first in the U.S. and select English markets before broader language support is added. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Regulatory exceptions: Some countries (or territories) are excluded for legal, regulatory, or export reasons. Check Microsoft’s supported regions page for the definitive market list. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Data residency & enterprise policy: Enterprise tenants may keep memory and connectors off by policy; admins can restrict connectors that allow Copilot access to organizational data. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
How rollout affects different user groups
Practical checklist: how to prepare & respond
- Check your product channel (Copilot app, Windows update channel, Microsoft 365 update channel) — insiders see features earlier. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Review Copilot settings → Memory & Privacy and set defaults you’re comfortable with. Enterprises should use admin policies if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- If you’re an IT admin, review Microsoft 365 release notes and the Microsoft 365 Roadmap for rollout windows relevant to your tenant. Use admin center controls if you need to block automatic Copilot app installs. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Watch regional Microsoft blog updates — avatar/voice features and group chat capabilities may be announced with explicit geographic availability. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
FAQ — short answers
Q: Will Copilot be forcibly installed on my PC?
A: Microsoft announced a push to install the Copilot app on Windows devices running desktop Microsoft 365 in October–November 2025 in many markets; enterprise admins can block it via management controls; some regions (for example EEA) were called out as exceptions. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Q: When will new features (like Mico) reach my country?
A: New features often launch in the U.S. or English-language markets first and then expand. Check the Microsoft Copilot blog or release notes for region-by-region updates. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Q: Are enterprise admins able to disable memory or connectors?
A: Yes — admins can control memory and connector behavior for their tenants and use Microsoft Purview for discovery/eDiscovery where needed. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
7. Pros & cons — quick view
Pros
- More personalized answers that remember context.
- Better group workflows with shared AI assistance.
- Helpful voice/avatar experiences for learning and accessibility.
Cons / risks
- If misconfigured, memory could surface private details.
- Group contexts raise consent and moderation questions.
- Animated avatar may be distracting for some users.
8. How to get started (short checklist)
- Update Copilot app or Windows if you use the built-in Copilot experience.
- Open Copilot → Settings → Memory & Personalization and review options.
- Connect only the accounts you trust (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.) and review permission prompts.
- For shared chats, announce Copilot’s role and enable/disable memory as a group policy.
2. Requirements before starting
- A Microsoft Account (personal or work/school account)
- Latest version of Windows 11 or the Copilot app
- Stable internet connection
- Optional: Microsoft 365 subscription (for access inside Office apps)
3. How to install or access Microsoft Copilot
Step 1 — On Windows 11
- Click the Copilot icon on the taskbar (right side near search).
- If you don’t see it, go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar and enable “Copilot (preview)”.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account to activate it.
Step 2 — On the web
- Visit https://copilot.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- You can chat, summarize, or create content directly in your browser.
Step 3 — On mobile (Android or iOS)
- Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for “Microsoft Copilot” and install it.
- Sign in and allow app permissions for voice input and file access (optional).
Step 4 — Inside Microsoft 365 apps
- Update Office apps to the latest version.
- Look for the Copilot icon in the ribbon (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Click it to open Copilot side panel and start asking questions.
4. Setting up permissions & privacy controls
Copilot asks for permission before using your data. You can control memory, data connectors, and personal preferences at any time:
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Copilot on Windows.
- Toggle Memory on/off or view saved memories.
- Manage connected accounts (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams) and choose what Copilot can access.
- Enterprise users can use admin settings to restrict or allow memory and connectors.
5. Basic commands you can try
- “Summarize this document” → Copilot will highlight key points.
- “Write an email to my team about today’s meeting.”
- “Generate a chart for this sales data.”
- “Create a PowerPoint slide deck on AI trends.”
- “Translate this paragraph into Spanish.”
6. How to customize your Copilot experience
- Change response tone: formal, casual, or concise.
- Adjust memory and personalization in settings.
- Choose between text or voice chat modes.
- Use the new avatar “Mico” for voice interactions if available in your region.
7. Common problems & quick fixes
- Copilot not showing on taskbar: Update Windows 11 and enable Copilot from Settings → Personalization → Taskbar.
- Login issues: Make sure two-step verification is off temporarily if you face repeated sign-in loops.
- Copilot not responding: Check your internet connection or restart the app.
- Limited features: Some features are region-locked or available only for Microsoft 365 users.
8. Tips to get the best results
- Be specific with your prompts — mention purpose and tone (e.g., “Write a professional summary for LinkedIn”).
- Use Copilot inside Word, Excel, and Outlook to save time on writing and data tasks.
- Check memory settings regularly to keep control of stored information.
- Explore Microsoft Learn for new tutorials and official updates.
9. When and where updates arrive
Microsoft releases new Copilot features in waves. Consumer updates come via Windows Update or through the Copilot app automatically. Enterprise admins can delay or control feature rollout through the Microsoft 365 admin center. New experiences like Mico, long-term memory, and group chat are being deployed gradually across supported markets in late 2025.
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