Starting in the fall of 2025, Microsoft will automatically install its AI-powered Copilot application on all Microsoft 365 subscriptions for Windows devices that have the desktop client apps.
The company aims to make the tool a core part of its productivity suite, though users outside the European Economic Area will have methods to opt out.
How the Copilot rollout will work
The Copilot application will be installed in the background on Windows devices without interrupting user activity. It will become a standard component of the Microsoft 365 package, which includes apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Copilot acts as a central hub within the productivity suite, offering users integrated search, interactive chat, and AI-powered agent tools designed to assist with various tasks. Users can also access Copilot through a dedicated web app, a desktop version for Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for Android and iOS.
How to opt out of the default installation
The mandatory installation will not apply to customers in the European Economic Area (EEA), who will continue to use a version of Microsoft 365 that emphasizes privacy protections consistent with regional data regulations.
For users and administrators outside the EEA who wish to prevent the installation, Microsoft has provided several opt-out methods:
- M365 Apps Admin Center: Administrators can adjust the “Modern App Settings” to disable the automatic deployment.
- Group Policy Editor: Windows 11 Pro users can use this tool to turn off the Copilot deployment entirely.
- Windows Registry: All Windows 11 users can edit the registry to achieve the same result.
Part of a broader push for AI integration
This move is the latest step in Microsoft’s strategy to embed AI across its products. In August, the company added AI features to Excel, along with a warning that the tool can “hallucinate” and produce inaccurate results, advising users to verify its outputs.
The Copilot installation also coincides with other Microsoft initiatives, such as the SCOOBE screen, which reminds users of upcoming subscription renewals. Together, these changes reflect a broader effort to standardize AI integration and enhance user engagement with Microsoft’s services.
