{"id":21913,"date":"2026-01-29T09:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T17:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/?p=21913"},"modified":"2026-02-05T09:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:06:08","slug":"deploying-microsoft-365-copilot-in-five-chapters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/deploying-microsoft-365-copilot-in-five-chapters\/","title":{"rendered":"Deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot in five chapters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<nav\n\tclass=\"wp-block-inside-track-in-post-navigation\"\t>\n\t<button class=\"in-page-block__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"in-page-block__list\">\n\t\tWhat this guide contains\t<\/button>\n\n\t<ul id=\"in-page-block__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"introduction\" href=\"#introduction\" style=\"\">Deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot: A next-generation business tool<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"chapter-1\" href=\"#chapter-1\" style=\"\">Chapter 1: Getting governance right<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"chapter-2\" href=\"#chapter-2\" style=\"\">Chapter 2: Implementation with intention<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"chapter-3\" href=\"#chapter-3\" style=\"\">Chapter 3: Driving adoption to capture value<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"chapter-4\" href=\"#chapter-4\" style=\"\">Chapter 4: Building a foundation for support<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"chapter-5\" href=\"#chapter-5\" style=\"\">Chapter 5: Extending Copilot through agents<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\" \" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-id=\"conclusion\" href=\"#conclusion\" style=\"\">Applying our deployment lessons at your company<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">Deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot: A next-generation business tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Welcome to the new era of productivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generative AI has captured the world\u2019s attention, and businesses are taking notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to our Work Trends Annual Report, 70% of people would delegate as much work as possible to AI to lessen their workloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10685bb4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ff4033b8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Andrew-Osten.png\" alt=\"A photo of Osten\" class=\"wp-image-22232\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Andrew-Osten.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Andrew-Osten-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Andrew-Osten-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><em>\u201cI\u2019m inspired by the transformative power of AI. I\u2019ve been impressed with how quickly our employees have put it to work for them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-gray-800-color has-text-color has-link-color has-body-lg-font-size wp-elements-71deb916def8252e1ac3faa98787fa9f wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\"><strong><strong>Andrew Osten, general manager, Microsoft Digital<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Capitalizing on this trend will mean the difference between surging ahead or getting left behind, including here at Microsoft, where we\u2019re the first enterprise to deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aside-for-guide has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-content-justification-right is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3f1abf08 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-298f84b7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"66\" height=\"66\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Engage-with-our-experts.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22083\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Engage with our experts!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Customers or Microsoft account team representatives from Fortune 500 companies are welcome to <a href=\"mailto:msitstaff@microsoft.com\">request a virtual engagement<\/a> on this topic with experts from our Microsoft Digital team.<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m inspired by the transformative power of AI,&#8221; says Andrew Osten, general manager of Business Operations and Programs in Microsoft Digital, the company\u2019s IT organization. \u201cI\u2019ve been impressed with how quickly our employees have put it to work for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He would know. His team is responsible for driving usage and adoption of Copilot and any new features to more than 300,000 employees and vendors across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCustomers are looking to us to share what we\u2019ve learned as the first enterprise to deploy Copilot,\u201d Osten says. \u201cOur team has a unique opportunity to help them deploy and get to value as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Microsoft 365 Copilot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copilot combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your organization\u2019s data to turn your employees\u2019 words into some of the most powerful productivity tools on the planet\u2014all within the flow of work. Employees can access intelligent assistance through Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat or the apps they use every day, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more, to provide real-time intelligent assistance. It also forms the foundation for new, agentic capabilities that apply the power of Copilot orchestration to more specific knowledge sources and tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/worklab\/work-trend-index\/ai-at-work-is-here-now-comes-the-hard-part#section1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to our Work Trends annual report<\/a>, employees who use AI are seeing significant benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-478b6e6b wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-be3759854176d1543930098c402402c6 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\"><strong>75%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\">of knowledge workers reported that they use AI at work today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-082c1ed8e10694cf9a1268255c56d864 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\"><strong>90%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\">shared that AI helps them save time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-cd689157a436eb2a87d245f4e32a2611 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\"><strong>85%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\">said AI helps them focus more on their work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7fbb4bcbb9401b3ec3bb9b13a31ae04c has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-48e64321 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-title-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\"><strong>84%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);margin-left:0\">reported that AI helps them be more creative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organizations like ours that are unlocking AI assistance within employees\u2019 everyday workflows are poised to gain a distinct advantage in terms of productivity, engagement, and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re using it to reduce our IT expenses and enhance our productivity,\u201d Osten says. \u201cWe\u2019re also excited by its potential to create a lasting competitive advantage for us here at Microsoft and for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our mission in Microsoft Digital is to empower, enable, and transform the company\u2019s digital employee experience across devices, applications, and infrastructure. We also provide a blueprint for our customers to follow in the form of this guide for deploying and adopting Copilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe contents of this guide are based on the lessons we\u2019ve learned deploying Copilot,\u201d Osten says. \u201cThe tips and ideas you\u2019ll read here will help you accelerate your own time to value with Copilot so you can realize the same benefits as our employees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10685bb4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-98fb3ab0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);flex-basis:64px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"55\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Are-you-an-executive.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21915\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4e526f7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\"><strong>Are you an executive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/copilot-for-microsoft-365-for-executives-sharing-our-internal-deployment-and-adoption-journey-at-microsoft\/\"><strong>View our condensed, CIO version of the guide here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chapter-1\">Chapter 1: Getting governance right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintaining privacy, security, and compliance while respecting regulatory frameworks.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you begin your Microsoft 365 Copilot implementation, you\u2019ll want to consider how this tool impacts your data. Copilot employs LLMs that interact with data and content across your organization. It uses information your employees can access to transform user prompts into personalized, relevant, and actionable responses throughout Microsoft 365 apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Giving your employees this level of access means proper data hygiene is essential. At Microsoft Digital, we use sensitivity labeling to empower our employees with access while also protecting our data. Our colleagues on the product side designed Copilot to respect labels, permissions, and rights management service (RMS) protections that block content extraction on relevant file labels. By implementing effective sensitivity labeling practices, you can rest assured that anything you intend to remain private or confidential will stay that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pick the governance path that\u2019s right for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This chapter outlines the highly robust, best-case scenario we created at Microsoft, but we know not every organization has a fully deployed data governance system and strategy. If you\u2019re in that position, don\u2019t worry! You can use techniques like <a href=\"https:\/\/techcommunity.microsoft.com\/t5\/copilot-for-microsoft-365\/introducing-restricted-sharepoint-search-to-help-you-get-started\/ba-p\/4071060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Restricted SharePoint Search<\/a> that provide value and protection without exposing Copilot to your internal resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laying the groundwork with proper labeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout our internal governance efforts within Microsoft Digital, we\u2019ve developed four labeling practices that make up our foundation for appropriate policies and settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22032\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Responsible self-service<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Support and enable your employees to create new workspaces like SharePoint sites, ensuring your company data is on your Microsoft 365 tenant and employees don\u2019t simply re-use and overload existing spaces with mismatching permissions. That enables your employees to take full advantage of Copilot in ways that align with your organizational data hygiene while you keep your company\u2019s information safe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22033\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Top-down defaults<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Label containers for data segmentation by default to ensure your information isn&#8217;t overexposed. At Microsoft, we default our container labels to &#8220;Confidential\\Internal Only.&#8221; That ensures alignment with our policies and settings that limit external sharing. <a href=\"https:\/\/azure.microsoft.com\/en-ca\/products\/purview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">We use Microsoft Purview to manage this process.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22034\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Consistency within containers<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Derive file labels from their parent containers. Being consistent here boosts security across every layer and reduces the administrative burden on your employees to label every file they create. Copilot will reflect file labels in chat responses, so employees know the level of confidentiality behind each portion of AI-created responses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22035\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Employee awareness<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">We train our employees to understand how to handle and label sensitive data. By making your workers active participants in your data hygiene strategy, you increase accuracy and your overall security posture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-service with guardrails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The data hygiene practices we outlined above form a foundation for compliance and security, but backstopping those efforts through Microsoft 365 features adds an extra layer of protection. That&#8217;s a core principle of Zero Trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft Digital, we use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/security\/business\/information-protection\/microsoft-purview-data-loss-prevention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP)<\/a> policies to define the rules and actions for detecting and protecting sensitive data across Microsoft 365, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. DLP policies support vulnerable data types and scenarios that require protection. Those include any kind of information that might introduce inappropriate access to company data or intellectual property. Examples include access to credentials like keys or tokens, personally identifying information, financial data, or non-public source code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sign-in information, reports, and dashboards are available via Purview to help our team monitor and analyze content activity and compliance across the organization. They also provide insights into the volume, location, and usage of sensitive data, as well as any incidents and alerts that indicate potential data breaches or violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, an employee might label something as \u201cGeneral,\u201d but it contains credentials or other sensitive end-user identification information (EUII). In those instances, Purview will automatically block the file from access beyond its owner or reapply a more appropriate label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between proper labeling and backstopping self-service through DLP guardrails, we\u2019re able to keep Copilot Chat from surfacing documents it shouldn\u2019t share in the wrong context or to the wrong people. Using Purview and other tools at our disposal, the five practices below help us keep our employees and our company\u2019s data safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22032\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Trust, but verify<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Empower self-service with sensitivity labels, but verify them by checking against DLP standards, then use auto-labeling and quarantining when necessary. Internally, we&#8217;ve configured Microsoft Purview DLP to detect and control sensitive content automatically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22033\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Expiry and attestation<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Put strong lifecycle management protocols in place that require your employees to attest containers to keep them from expiring. We don\u2019t keep items that don\u2019t have an accountable employee or that might not be necessary for our work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22034\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Controlling the flow<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Limit oversharing at the source by enabling company-shareable links instead of forcing employees to grant access to large groups. At Microsoft, we add an extra layer of highly confidential items that users can only share with specific people on a need-to-know basis. To enforce these behaviors, you can set default link types based on labels through Purview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22035\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Oversharing detection<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Even under the best circumstances, accidents happen. When one of our employees does overshare sensitive data, we use <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/graph\/data-connect-concept-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Graph Data Connect<\/a> extraction in conjunction with Microsoft Purview to catch and report oversharing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International compliance: No size fits all<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Europe has extra requirements in the form of EU Data Boundary regulations and works councils, internal organizations that provide employee co-determination on workers\u2019 rights or regulatory issues, including performance management or monitoring. Our Copilot deployment meant we needed to partner closely with our Microsoft works councils when launching AI technology with complex data and privacy implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your experience will vary depending on your industry and where you operate, but we\u2019ve learned that it\u2019s best to work closely with local subsidiaries to ensure you have a complete picture of a region\u2019s regulatory situation. Local insiders are poised to liaise with their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/get-microsofts-tips-for-partnering-with-your-works-councils\/\">works councils, as we\u2019ve done at Microsoft<\/a>, or other bodies through direct relationships. Start the process early so you can manage feedback cycles effectively, make adjustments, synthesize any answers that works councils need, and resolve any concerns through configurations that make sense for your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning from Microsoft\u2019s governance, security, and compliance practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"45\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Bring-the-right-people.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21939\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Bring the right people into the conversation<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t keep this conversation in the IT sphere alone. Bring in all the relevant security, legal, and compliance professionals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Build-a-foundation.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21940\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Build a foundation for automation<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft Purview DLP has powerful intelligent detection, but it relies on establishing good defaults.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Think-about-how.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21941\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Think about how your employees will use Copilot<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Determine the primary use cases for Copilot. The kinds of collaboration and access employees need will affect your default labeling architecture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Train-employees.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21942\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Take this opportunity to train employees<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve been looking for an excuse to refresh employee knowledge around data privacy, let this moment be your milestone. It will be far easier to start with a clean data estate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Dont-overwhelm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21943\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Don\u2019t overwhelm your users<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make labeling simple and intuitive and ensure it isn\u2019t overwhelming. Employees should have a limited set of choices to keep things comprehensible. It\u2019s also valid for different employees to see different choices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Balance.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21944\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Balance good governance with time to value<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of the scope and complexity of our deployment, we took a very thorough approach to governance. If speed is your priority, you might consider a faster deployment with a less comprehensive governance approach, for example, using <a href=\"https:\/\/techcommunity.microsoft.com\/t5\/copilot-for-microsoft-365\/introducing-restricted-sharepoint-search-to-help-you-get-started\/ba-p\/4071060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Restricted SharePoint Search<\/a> to constrain both Enterprise Search and Copilot experiences to a curated set of SharePoint sites of your choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these tips to tackle governance, security, and compliance at your company. It\u2019s based on what we learned deploying Copilot internally here at Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Labeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Develop a labeling taxonomy. This should include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><span style=\"background-color: var(--wp--custom--color--white--200);\">Classification levels, not exceeding five primary labels and five sub-labels<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><span style=\"background-color: var(--wp--custom--color--white--200);\">Descriptions clearly outlining a label&#8217;s meaning for employees<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Examples to clarify usage for employees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Determine policies and settings that correspond with labels. Consider the following:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Storage type and location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">External allowance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Encryption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Access control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Data destruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Data loss prevention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Public disclosure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Logging and tracking access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish container defaults<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Configure container labels to set the default file label in document libraries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Initiate an employee education initiative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Data loss prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Configure Microsoft Purview DLP standards and quarantining protocols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish lifecycle management and attestation protocols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Configure Microsoft Graph Data Connect to discover where you\u2019re oversharing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) International compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Initiate conversations with local subsidiaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Engage works councils or other advocacy bodies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Address concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Determine the feasibility of regional deployment and segment if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions:<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\">Read our guide to governing Microsoft 365 Copilot.<\/a> This step-by-step resource, based on our internal experience at Microsoft, will help you adapt your existing governance standards to reflect the new realities of AI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/empowering-employee-self-service-with-guardrails-how-were-using-sensitivity-labels-to-make-microsoft-more-secure\/\">Check out how we\u2019re using sensitivity labels to empower our employees while making Microsoft more secure.<\/a> This article shows you how having a pre-established plan for labeling helped our Microsoft Digital team quickly deploy Copilot with proper guardrails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-2)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/riding-the-wave-of-agents-washing-over-microsoft-with-good-governance\/\">See how we\u2019re riding the wave of agents that\u2019s washing over Microsoft through good governance<\/a>. This post talks about the ways good governance also pertains to enterprise AI extensibility through agents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/solutionassessments\/safeedbackform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Conduct the Microsoft 365 Copilot Optimization Assessment<\/a> to understand your level of AI adoption and chart your course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-365-copilot\/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Access Microsoft Learn documentation<\/a> to read more about data, privacy, security, and Zero Trust principles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-copilot-studio\/guidance\/sec-gov-intro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow the company\u2019s governance and security overview for Copilot Studio<\/a> to ensure your agents are managed safely and efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chapter-2\">Chapter 2: Implementation with intention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building a strategy for licensing, administration, and rolling Microsoft Copilot out to different groups within your organization.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot isn\u2019t as easy as just turning on licenses and alerting your users. It takes organizational partnerships, early assessments of your concrete business needs, and careful planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design for the \u201cwho\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copilot is a new concept in business software. At the time of our implementation, we were the first company to roll it out anywhere in the world, and our Microsoft Digital implementation team had to choose from countless ways to approach a licensing strategy\u2014different mechanisms of licensing, automation, management, and the list goes on. Regardless of your overall approach, we\u2019ve learned from experience that it almost always makes sense to start with pilot groups who can validate the tool and enable the rest of your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For us, that looked like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-478b6e6b wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-edec46bc9266b4781f73769d9c85164e has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Phase-zero.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21971\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong>Phase zero<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">We gave our Copilot engineering team early access so they could test Copilot from an insider\u2019s perspective. We shared our early feedback with the product team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Product engineers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-febe6087b40efcf7caa5e196e5fb8156 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Phase-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21973\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong>Phase one<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">We issued a limited number of on-demand licenses in core scenarios to get validation and feedback for key use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-173411ab7496b837d476a4bddb9f24c8 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Phase-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21974\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong>Phase two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">We extended licenses to teams who needed to understand and support Copilot or provide approval for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">HR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Legal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Works councils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-13121b4de07212eed7df9ca79e12454c has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Phase-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21975\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong>Phase three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">We deployed Copilot and started working on adoption across the entire company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Advancing in phases, we deployed Copilot to more than 300,000 Microsoft employees and external staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scaling out your licenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After you decide on the general shape of your rollout, you can begin building your licensing strategy. Fortunately, if your organization uses Microsoft 365, you\u2019ll already have access to most of the apparatus you need. The inherent flexibility of Microsoft 365 licensing means you can easily adjust your strategy as you progress based on scale, organization changes, or any other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft Digital, we started with individual licenses at the single-user level. As our implementation scaled, we tied licensing automation to Microsoft 365 security groups to implement targeted licensing changes at scale. Those groups could include tailor-made subsets of employees or entire organizations within Microsoft, and we keyed our automation logic to their expanding and contracting eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We highly recommend defining a phased rollout strategy and structuring your groups accordingly. That creates accountability and gives your IT admins a crucial point of contact for understanding the licensing needs of different groups within your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on our implementation experience, there are three main benefits to using security groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:36px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1_purple-blue.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21925\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Optimize licensing costs:<\/strong> Create groups&nbsp;that reflect your business needs and goals that align with your respective business sponsors. Sync your licensing status changes with group membership changes. That way, you can assign the right licenses to the right users and adjust easily if you require frequent changes, for example, in your early initial validation phase, to avoid paying for licenses you don\u2019t need or use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:36px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2_purple-blue.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21933\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Refine admin costs<\/strong>: Group-based licensing lets your admins assign one or more product licenses to a group. This depends on your rollout strategy and progress. Your admins will be able to streamline your group setup at scale, reducing your admin overhead. This strategy is helpful, considering all the licenses you likely need to manage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:36px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3_purple-blue.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21934\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Enhance compliance and security<\/strong>: This ensures that only authorized users receive licenses and get access to resources, enhancing your security and compliance. Your admins can use audit logs and other Microsoft Entra services to monitor and manage your group-based licensing activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-adoption communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the excitement around AI tools, one of the biggest challenges during our phased implementation was support requests from employees outside our initial pilot groups. Most of our support requests at this stage were essentially asking, \u201cWhere\u2019s my license?\u201d It was a key learning for our Microsoft Digital implementation team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can easily avoid the issue through clear and honest communication. For example, when you alert your initial implementation groups about their Copilot access, you could simultaneously deploy \u201cComing soon\u201d emails to the rest of your organization. That will help you avoid any confusion while simultaneously generating excitement and boosting general adoption when the time comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end, what\u2019s most important is building a strategy for getting all users access to Copilot, structuring your rollout, and helping people build the daily habit of using AI. While leadership sponsorship is especially important in later phases of adoption, it\u2019s also crucial here as a way of identifying who should be part of pilots and subsequent cohorts. Leaders can help communicate those decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bottom line is that your IT implementation team can\u2019t work in isolation. Communication\u2014especially from organizational leadership\u2014will be a key part of your licensing and implementation strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning from our implementation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"37\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Design-for-who.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21961\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Design for the \u201cwho\u201d<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you determine your initial cohorts, base your decisions on which roles have the largest coverage and will provide the most relevant feedback.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Get-groups.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21962\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Get your groups in place<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be thoughtful about your Microsoft 365 groups and make sure everyone knows who owns them and who\u2019s responsible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"37\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Engage-support-team.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21963\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Engage your support team from the start<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a new technology, so your support teams will receive requests. Ensure they\u2019re ready by giving them early access.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"41\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Manage-expectations.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21964\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Manage expectations to minimize blowback<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proactively help users understand why they have licenses or don\u2019t. Note that your rollout strategy might be subject to change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"43\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Bring-leadership.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21965\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Bring leadership on board early<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Executive sponsorship isn\u2019t just useful for adoption. Leaders will also help you identify the key use cases within their organizations to determine if they belong in early rollout phases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"38\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Product-feedback.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21966\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Product feedback at every level<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage feedback for employees in your early implementation phases, because that will guide your wider adoption efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these tips to help you with your internal implementation and admin process. They are based on our experience here at Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Get ready<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Perform the Microsoft 365 Copilot optimization assessment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Identify key implementation phases and groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Secure leadership involvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Build out your implementation plan and map it to a licensing strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Onboard and engage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Assemble security groups and assign responsibilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Build an automated Microsoft 365 licensing management workflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Enable roles for Copilot reports and the Copilot dashboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Assign licenses and configure them using the setup guide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Analyze pilot data:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Access in-app feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Facilitate feedback sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Analyze usage reports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deploy communications: For strategy around this element, see the next section<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/guiding-hands-inside-the-councils-steering-ai-projects-at-microsoft\/\">Learn about the councils steering our AI projects here at Microsoft.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlocking-the-value-of-microsoft-365-copilot-at-microsoft\/\">Find out how we\u2019re unlocking the value of Microsoft 365 Copilot at Microsoft.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/success-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use the Microsoft Copilot Success Kit<\/a> to accelerate your implementation with templates, onboarding guides, and technical readiness resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-365-copilot-enablement-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow step-by-step instructions for assigning licenses and onboarding users<\/a> in the Microsoft 365 admin center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chapter-3\">Chapter 3: Driving adoption to capture value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Effective adoption: From readiness to empowerment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact that your employees are excited to try out a powerful new technology platform isn\u2019t enough. We found that you need strategic, coordinated change management efforts to drive Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That way, you can be sure to get your employees onboard at the right time in the ways that you want. The idea is to give them the freedom to be themselves with proper guardrails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider breaking your company-wide adoption into cohorts, for example, subsidiaries or business groups. We divided our adoption along two vectors: internal organizations like legal or sales and marketing, and regions like North America or Europe. Different cohorts have different focuses, but the strategy is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Microsoft 365 Copilot change management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"588\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/GetReady-Onboard-Deliver-Extend.png\" alt=\"Illustration showing four steps of change management: Getting ready, onboarding and employee engagement, delivering impact, and extending and optimizing. \" class=\"wp-image-22064\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7006973621518604;width:1225px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/GetReady-Onboard-Deliver-Extend.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/GetReady-Onboard-Deliver-Extend-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/GetReady-Onboard-Deliver-Extend-768x452.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Focusing on change management is key when you deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective change management needs careful planning. Our adoption efforts took inspiration from the Microsoft Engagement Framework, which we\u2019ve developed specially for driving adoption of our products. If you&#8217;re an adoption specialist or change manager, you might notice similarities with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prosci.com\/methodology\/adkar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prosci\u2019s ADKAR model<\/a>, which progresses through awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whichever framework you choose, the techniques we use here at Microsoft will apply. Either way, the process starts with your people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Get-ready.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21981\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Get ready<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin by working with your company-wide adoption leads, then identify members of your target cohorts who will support the adoption, including change managers, leadership sponsors, and employee champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Champions boost adoption by filling several important roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Pinpointing key usage scenarios for Copilot based on their cohort\u2019s culture or processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deciding on the best methods of communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Providing insights that help adoption leaders build out their rollout plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Extending the reach of our adoption team through peer-to-peer support and guidance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Most importantly, demonstrating the value of Copilot and showing their peers how powerful this tool can be in their day-to-day work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When champions socialize their tips and tricks, our experience at Microsoft Digital has revealed that it\u2019s best to share specific prompts and the value they provide as a concrete entry point for users. For example, a champion could say, \u201cI saved three hours drafting this sales script in Microsoft Word using this prompt,\u201d then share their Copilot prompt as a place for peers to start. You\u2019ll find advice below for how you can effectively incorporate champs into your adoption efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Works councils also play a key role at this stage. They offer the benefit of local cultural expertise and can help you identify challenges employees face in their jurisdictions. Even something as simple as understanding proper modes of address helps smooth the road to adoption through effective communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these sets of stakeholders has a role to play in your rollout. We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Copilot adoption resources<\/a> to build out your adoption plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Onboard-and-engage.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21985\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Onboard and engage<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft, we implemented this phase across each adoption cohort. Because every group will have its own champions and leadership sponsors, it\u2019s important to treat each of them as its own organization, with its own unique adoption needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In advance of our general rollout, we deployed jump-start communications with links to learning opportunities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Localized training<\/strong> took the form of <em>Power Hours<\/em> in different languages and time zones. These training sessions demonstrated key Copilot scenarios across Microsoft 365 apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Self-learn assets<\/strong> included user quick-start guides, demo videos, and <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/viva\/learning\/academy-copilot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Microsoft Copilot Academy<\/a> to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From our experience at Microsoft Digital, pre-rollout communications fulfill two needs. First, this messaging is a great opportunity to launch your champion communities because early access to Copilot licenses and learning material helps peer leaders build their expertise. Second, these communications build your general adoption population\u2019s desire and excitement for their incoming Copilot licenses, then prepare them to hit the ground running when they finally get access. Clear messaging also helps ward off questions from eager employees asking why they don\u2019t have licenses yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After your Copilot licenses are live, your launch-day welcome communications are relatively simple. Just invite employees to access Copilot, play with this new tool, and start to experiment with how it can fit into their daily workflows. It\u2019s also helpful to include information about where employees can get support. There are many possible vectors for deploying these communications, but a multi-pronged effort that includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-viva\/amplify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Viva Amplify<\/a> will deliver the maximum impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For support in building out your own communication plan, our adoption team has created a <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/user-onboarding-toolkit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">user onboarding kit for Copilot<\/a>. These ready-to-send emails and community posts can help you onboard and engage your users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Deliver-impact.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21986\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Deliver impact<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After everyone has access, it\u2019s time to promote Copilot usage and ensure your employees are getting the best possible experience and the most value. For Microsoft\u2019s cohorts, employee champions and leadership sponsors were essential levers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to remember that Copilot isn\u2019t just another tool. It introduces a whole new way of working within employees\u2019 trusted apps. At Microsoft Digital, we took great care to encourage employees to be adventurous and lean into a mindset shift to see it as part of their daily work\u2014not just something they play with when there\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-viva\/engage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Viva Engage<\/a> or a similar employee communication platform is a helpful forum for peer community support. In our case, it provided an organic space for champions to share their expertise and change managers to provide further recommendations and adoption content. For employees who explore best on their own, <a href=\"https:\/\/copilot.microsoft.com\/labs?msockid=3702b47881576ac600afa2e6809f6b09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copilot Lab provides in-the-flow learning opportunities to build their prompt skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, leadership sponsors diversified our communications strategy by deploying and amplifying messaging through executive channels like org-wide emails or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/delivering-communications-internally-at-microsoft-with-microsoft-viva-amplify\/\">Microsoft Viva Amplify<\/a>. Because we broke our adoption out by both organization and region, employees benefited from two sets of communications, each focusing on the scenarios that are most relevant to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Extend-and-optimize.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21987\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Extend and optimize<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, successful adoption depends on measurement, feedback, and listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding overall usage patterns and impact is crucial to optimizing adoption. Our Microsoft Digital team employed a combination of controlled feature rollout (CFR) technology while tracking usage through Microsoft 365 Admin Center, the <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/viva\/insights\/org-team-insights\/copilot-dashboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copilot Dashboard<\/a>, and Viva Insights. Together, these tools gave us the visibility and tracking we needed to establish and communicate adoption patterns. Meanwhile, IT admins and user experience success managers accessed simple in-app feedback through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/democratizing-adoption-data-with-the-microsoft-365-admin-center-experience-insights-dashboard\/\">Microsoft 365 admin center<\/a>. But to really maximize value, our Microsoft Digital employee experience teams conducted listening sessions and satisfaction surveys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these insights are helping us establish a virtuous cycle to drive further value and better adoption for future rollouts, extend usage to new and high-value scenarios, incorporate Copilot into business process transformation, and understand custom line-of-business opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving user enablement with Microsoft Viva&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-viva\/insights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Viva<\/a> to help enable our 300,000+ global users. Microsoft Viva is an Employee Experience Platform that brings communication and feedback, analytics, goals, and learning into one unified solution. Our team in Microsoft Digital used Viva across a range of change management scenarios, including building awareness, communicating with our employees, providing access to readiness and learning resources, and measuring the impact of our deployment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-1ed81c1b has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized block-visibility-hide-small-screen\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"103\" height=\"103\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/10635_copilot_logo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16673\" style=\"width:72px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accelerating Microsoft 365 Copilot with Viva<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-478b6e6b wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Connections_Launch_C_64_1x.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16674\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Connections<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Sharing key news related to deployment and enablement, generating \u201cbuzz,&#8221; and tying Copilot to Microsoft culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Amplify_64.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16675\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Amplify<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Producing and efficiently distributing employee communications to build awareness and excitement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Learning_Launch_C_64_1x.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16676\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Courses and training for our employees on how to maximize value from Copilot, inclusive of building effective prompts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Viva-Engage-64x64-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16678\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Engage<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Actively engaging employees, providing leader updates, listening to feedback, and enabling Champs community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Insights_Launch_C_64_1x.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16679\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Insights<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Using the Microsoft 365 Copilot Dashboard beta to identity actionable insights and usage trends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Pulse_64.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16680\" style=\"width:28px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Pulse<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Instant feedback from employees on their Copilot experience to fine-tune our landing and adoption approach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a5f6edd2 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-29f1880b wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Glint.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16681\" style=\"width:28px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Glint.png 200w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2024\/09\/Glint-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-h-6-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Viva Glint<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Understanding employee sentiment and gauging the overall effectiveness of our Copilot deployment effort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider these examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">A human resources professional might use Copilot to create job descriptions by prompting it to suggest essential skills, qualifications, and responsibilities for a prospective role.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">A salesperson could ask Copilot to generate a table comparing their company\u2019s flagship product with a competitor\u2019s to address customer questions more efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">A finance professional might prompt Copilot to review and summarize a new contract to reduce the time it takes to search for key data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any single approach would never be adequate to address every different discipline and use case. With the rise of agents, specialized AI-powered assistants that customize and focus the capabilities of Copilot, certain roles derive the most value from tailored assistance for specific tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, we created a playbook that our employees can use to construct their own role-based scenarios according to their individual teams\u2019 unique needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We designed it to help adoption professionals accomplish the following objectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Understand the top responsibilities, challenges, needs, and wants of&nbsp;<strong>prioritized roles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Articulate and communicate&nbsp;<strong>hero scenarios&nbsp;<\/strong>by clearly depicting how Copilot can enable them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Share&nbsp;<strong>deliverables that include roles, scenarios, and prompts&nbsp;<\/strong>with the wider organization to drive awareness, adoption, engagement, and value.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through internal testing and scenario crafting, we developed a four-part framework for creating, delivering, and socializing hero scenarios across any organization. These are the steps you can follow to create Copilot support content for adoption efforts tailored to specific roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22032\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Phase 1: Ready<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">This phase will help your organization, department, or team prepare for the process. It involves aligning with leadership and sponsors who will be accountable for driving value using Copilot. It\u2019s also where you\u2019ll select the priority roles, draft outlines of those roles so you can clarify your understanding of their needs and wants, and seek out feedback from leaders, managers, and subject matter experts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22033\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Phase 2: Engage<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Engaging with employees is the key to uncovering Copilot\u2019s core value. In this phase, you\u2019ll identify participants from your priority roles who demonstrate enthusiasm and early aptitude with the tool. From there, you can choose an approach, which might include in-person group sessions, virtual Microsoft Whiteboard sessions, one-on-one interviews, Microsoft 365 Loop collaboration, or whatever modality works best, then communicate the process to participants. Whatever you choose, the final step in this phase is conducting your employee engagements to document existing and aspirational Copilot usage scenarios.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22034\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Phase 3: Deliver<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Ideating hero scenarios is how you discover value. The delivery phase defines that value and organizes it into a useful, consumable format. It starts with reviewing and analyzing the outcomes of your sessions to gain insights and identify themes. Now is the time to document your hero scenarios and the value they add, as well as blockers and accelerators. Finally, you\u2019ll provide your output: a comprehensive deck that includes your priority roles, hero scenarios, next steps, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22035\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Phase 4: Share<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">The final phase of this process involves socializing your scenarios across your team or organization to realize value. If you\u2019re part of a large organization, it\u2019s helpful to radiate these outputs beyond the target group as an opportunity for further Copilot momentum. This stage includes diving deeper into blockers and accelerators that can help your organization as a whole speed time to value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning from our adoption of Copilot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Cascade-adoption-efforts.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21990\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Cascade adoption efforts through localization<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regional differences, priorities, even time zones\u2014they can all block your centralization efforts. Your insider adoption leaders within each adoption cohort can help.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"30\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Empower-champions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21991\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Empower your employee champions with trust<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monitor your user-led adoption communities at the start to provide support. As this community of power users becomes product experts, they&#8217;ll take over.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"31\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Empower-employees.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21992\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Empower employees as innovators<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll be surprised by what your employees dream up. Provide every opportunity for them to share their favorite tips and usage scenarios.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"41\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Create-excitement.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21993\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Create excitement, but set expectations<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage a healthy mindset around what Copilot can accomplish and where it fits. Don&#8217;t overpromise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Gamify-learning.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21994\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Gamify learning to build engagement and experience<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Friendly competitions or cooperative challenges like prompt-a-thons generate excitement and invite creativity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Understand.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21995\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Understand that for many, AI is emotional<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overcome AI hesitancy by encouraging employees to tackle easy tasks with Copilot assistance. That will help minimize reluctance through practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these tips as your guide as you build out and implement your adoption plan. They are based on our own experience internally at Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Get ready<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Identify and ramp up the person who will lead adoption for your organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Create an adoption team and identify who will lead each workstream within each cohort, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Change managers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Executive sponsors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Employee champions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Conduct a kickoff meeting with your adoption team and set up a meeting cadence and workflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Identify users and usage within your cohorts:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Pinpoint key usage scenarios, for example, CRM-connected email communication for salespeople or customer-facing copy support for marketers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Identify cohort-specific personas, for example, software engineers, customer support specialists, and business operations project managers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Determine communication preferences for each cohort and their personas and optimize messaging for each<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Define success criteria with KPIs and a success measurement plan\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Examples include usage by app or feature and user sentiment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Complete user enablement strategy training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Define a user experience and feedback strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Build deployment communications and an enablement asset library\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Localize for international audiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Onboard and engage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deploy readiness communications with onboarding content:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Led by cohort adoption team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Led and amplified by leadership sponsors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Launch champion communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deploy launch communications\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Led by cohort adoption team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Led and amplified by leadership sponsors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Socialize employee engagement communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Run live learning sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Provide self-learning opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Upscale the working environment with digital banners, posters, and other promotional materials to help employees visualize Copilot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Deliver impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Promote usage through internal cohort channels\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Follow-up communications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Viva Engage champion posts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Report on KPI success at predetermined intervals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Facilitate listening\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Satisfaction surveys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Listening sessions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Gather and amplify success stories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Apply learnings to further adoption activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Nurture existing champions through a technical training track<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Develop reinforcement, resistance, and maintenance plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Extend and optimize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Explore new high-value scenarios<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Investigate business process transformation via agents, Copilot Studio, plugins, and connectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Source custom line-of-business opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlocking-the-value-of-microsoft-365-copilot-at-microsoft\/\">Learn how we\u2019re unlocking the value of Copilot at Microsoft<\/a>. This post shares our overall journey from planning to measuring impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/driving-the-future-of-work-how-were-approaching-microsoft-365-copilot-change-management-at-microsoft\/\">Discover ways we\u2019re approaching change management around Microsoft 365 Copilot<\/a>. This story identifies the challenges and opportunities around adopting a new and revolutionary technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/driving-copilot-for-microsoft-365-adoption-with-an-assist-from-microsoft-viva\/\">See how we\u2019re using Microsoft Viva to drive Copilot adoption<\/a>. This article shares how Microsoft Viva acted as a comprehensive adoption tool during our Copilot rollout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/return-to-summer-camp-making-microsoft-365-copilot-fun-with-camp-copilot\/?msockid=23e0d9f2b6936c8025d6cc38b7d36de0https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/return-to-summer-camp-making-microsoft-365-copilot-fun-with-camp-copilot\/\">Find out how we made Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption fun with Camp Copilot<\/a>. This post shares how a grassroots, gamified community initiative became one of our most effective adoption drivers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/camp-copilot-try-our-7-tips-for-driving-microsoft-365-copilot-adoption-with-a-virtual-skilling-event\/\">Pair that story with this one that shares our seven tips for driving a successful virtual Copilot skilling event<\/a>, and check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/enabling-meaningful-ai-adoption-at-microsoft-with-a-microsoft-365-copilot-expo\/\">this article about our three-week Copilot Expo.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/driving-copilot-for-microsoft-365-adoption-with-our-copilot-champs-community\/\">Find out how a Copilot Champs community can help you drive adoption<\/a>. This post shares how peer-to-peer adoption support helps drive greater engagement for employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Learn how we\u2019re helping our employees build daily Copilot habits <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlock-your-productivity-here-are-our-top-10-tips-for-using-microsoft-365-copilot-every-day\/\">with these 10 tips<\/a> and check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/ten-tips-to-unlock-microsoft-365-copilot-for-your-engineers\/\">our tips list for engineers<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-digital-it-is-responding-with-an-ai-center-of-excellence\/\">Explore how we created a Center of Excellence to guide our adoption and use of AI.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/responsible-ai-why-it-matters-and-how-were-infusing-it-into-our-internal-ai-projects-at-microsoft\/\">Learn how we\u2019re applying the Microsoft Responsible AI Standard here in Microsoft Digital and across the company<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/essential-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore the company\u2019s essential guide to Copilot adoption<\/a> for practical steps to onboard, engage, and measure impact across your organization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/customer-hub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use the Microsoft Customer Hub to access community resources and skilling events<\/a> that can help you build a champions network and foster peer-to-peer support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Support for adoption leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot-scenario-library\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Access the Copilot scenario library<\/a> to understand different user needs and opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Gain insights from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-viva\/insights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your Microsoft Copilot Viva Insights dashboard<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deepen Copilot engagement through <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/enabling-modern-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Microsoft Modern Collaboration Architecture (MOCA)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Help users build daily habits around Copilot using <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/user-onboarding-toolkit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our suite of user engagement tools and templates.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Resources for IT practitioners<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Offer your employees training opportunities <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/training\/modules\/explore-possibilities-microsoft-365-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">through a Microsoft Learn training module<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Access different <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copilot user help and learning<\/a> resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Give your employees a leg up on creating AI prompts with <a href=\"https:\/\/news.microsoft.com\/source\/features\/ai\/the-art-of-the-prompt-how-to-get-the-best-out-of-generative-ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this blog post<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chapter-4\">Chapter 4: Building a foundation for support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting your Support team up for success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empowering employees means making sure they have access to the right support channels, especially if they have concerns with a new technology. The fact that Microsoft 365 Copilot operates across a wide spectrum of Microsoft 365 apps adds complexity to your support apparatus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, it\u2019s important to give your support teams early access along with your earliest pilot implementations. For Microsoft Digital, that included members of our internal support teams who help Microsoft employees when they run into technical issues, as well as our Customer Experience and Support team that engages with external customers to troubleshoot problems with new Microsoft products. We also invited subject matter experts for Microsoft 365 apps featuring Copilot experiences, including Teams, Outlook, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A small group of users across both internal and external support teams, as well as our Microsoft 365 subject matter experts, gained access at first, and we encouraged them to experiment and try to break features. This was a crucial learning phase for Microsoft Digital because it surfaced interesting issues that wouldn\u2019t come up if our teams didn\u2019t have access and an opportunity to experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building insights and product experience was step one, but we needed to collect that knowledge so it would be actionable in real situations. To accomplish that, we created a special Teams channel where our support team members collaborate with pilot users of Copilot and representatives of the product group. From there, we worked with marketing and communications professionals to start building our support team\u2019s knowledge base, which would also serve as the foundation for our user-facing content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, the time came to provide access to our wider support team. At that point, our support pilot members operated as learning leaders. When it came time to share their knowledge, it took the form of informal brown-bag sessions. We also engaged in shadow\/reverse-shadow role-playing exercises so our support agents could practice addressing common issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Principles of good support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-478b6e6b wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-cf428dc35ccec3ec343ed4a5845fc64e has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"52\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Available.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21997\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong><strong>Available<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">Highly available and in-context support should deliver both self-help and assisted experiences wherever and however the user needs them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7e89395d917f792479e959322c092f23 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"58\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Consistent.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21998\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong><strong>Consistent<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">Coherent and seamless access to support across the entire journey eliminates frustration and keeps the experience consistent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-37c244503697a778eaff349699630336 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"57\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Contextual.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21999\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong><strong>Contextual<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">Base your support experience on where the user is and what they&#8217;re trying to accomplish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-purple-200-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-038e37eed9aa1f3aeec1285f86e373d3 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef8af98e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"61\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Personal.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22000\" style=\"width:56px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\"><strong><strong>Personal<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-8);margin-left:0\">Anchor support in a user&#8217;s goals and preferences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategizing for support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building experience and knowledge is one thing, but coming up with your approach to support requires planning and a strong idea of your users\u2019 ideal experience. At Microsoft Digital, we take a \u201cshift-left\u201d approach. That means we save our human support staff time by attempting to create excellent self-service options for our users. As a result, they won\u2019t need to access a human agent unless they\u2019re at a genuine impasse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shift-left principles can apply to many different support contexts, but with Copilot, we\u2019ve found that the most important upfront action is ensuring your employees have accessible self-service support channels and communicating their availability. That might come through in-app support or access to knowledge bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work with your adoption teams to ensure they include those self-service support vectors in their rollout communications. For us, self-service was able to answer many of our users\u2019 questions, and for any extra-tricky issues, we had them access human-led support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seven things we learned preparing our Microsoft 365 Copilot support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22032\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Preliminary access<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Select your initial support specialists. Include people with different Microsoft 365 app focuses, support tiers, and service audiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22033\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Communication hub<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Establish a community space where your support team can connect and collaborate on issues. Invite non-support professionals as needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22034\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Knowledge base<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Start a collaborative document and add learnings. This will eventually evolve into your knowledge base for internal support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22035\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Widen access<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Host information sessions with the wider support team and extend access so all relevant support professionals can ramp up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22036\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Rehearse<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Conduct role-playing and shadowing sessions so support teams can build practical knowledge and confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22037\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Support go-live<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Get your support resources and processes ready and push them live in advance of your Copilot deployment. Consider a dry run.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22038\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Track<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Determine a tracking cadence and gather data on Copilot issues that arise so support teams can identify trending issues and tickets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions, issues, and resolutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the first enterprise organization to go through the Copilot deployment process, we\u2019ve identified a few challenges and questions you might have. Feel free to add these to your support knowledge base and employee-facing communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We&#8217;re getting questions about why particular employees don&#8217;t have licenses.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ideally, your adoption communication waves solve this issue by alerting employees when to expect their licenses and when they receive them. Otherwise, consider having a readily available link that answers licensing questions for users or directs them to their relevant managers or admins. You can also automate this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Users are coming to us with questions that would be better served by adoption and employee material, and that isn&#8217;t our role as support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work with your adoption team to preempt these issues with proactive communications. Update your self-help content and provide your support agents with ready access to different employee education resources, including your user-facing knowledge base, self-help videos, and Viva Engage communities focused on Copilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Teams are looking for integration support. Where do I send them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/microsoft-search\/connectors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of pre-built connectors<\/a> to help your users integrate various data sources into your Microsoft Graph. This list shares the <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoftsearch\/connectors-overview#what-data-sources-can-be-connected-to-microsoft-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">types of content supported<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can employees put confidential information into Copilot?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as your employees are signed in to Copilot with their Entra ID, they can enter confidential information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My organization has concerns about who owns the IP that Copilot generates. Does the Microsoft Customer Copyright Commitment apply to Copilot?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft does not own the IP generated by Copilot. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/licensing\/terms\/product\/ForOnlineServices\/all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Our universal terms<\/a> state, &#8220;Microsoft does not own customers&#8217; output content.&#8221; Those terms also include our Customer Copyright Commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What\u2019s the best way to verify the accuracy of the information Copilot provides?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where possible, Copilot is transparent about where it sources responses from. It answers complex questions by distilling information from multiple web sources into a single response. Copilot provides linked citations to these answers so the user can verify further.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these tips as your guide as you build out and implement your adoption plan. They are based on our own experience internally at Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Onboard and engage your support team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Start with a small set of support leaders:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">General support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Microsoft 365 product specialists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish a Teams channel for communication and knowledge sharing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Create a collaborative knowledge base foundation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Widen access to the full Copilot support team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Train your full support team:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Conduct information sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Conduct role-playing exercises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish your escalation process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Engage your internal communications team:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Finalize your user-facing knowledge base<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Discuss the inclusion of knowledge base material and the support process in rollout communications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Deliver impact for your users<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Signal support availability in user communities on Viva Engage and other platforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Publish your user-facing knowledge base<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish self-service automations if applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Extend and optimize your services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Review support issues and product feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Calibrate the optimization of your support workflows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/enabling-modern-support-at-microsoft-with-ai\/\">Read how we\u2019re using AI to transform our Support business at Microsoft<\/a>. This article shares how our Support team in Microsoft Digital is using AI to overhaul the business from end to end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/accelerating-employee-services-at-microsoft-with-the-employee-self-service-agent\/\">Learn how we deployed the Employee Self-Service Agent here at Microsoft.<\/a> This blog post shares how we\u2019re using this agent to help our employees with their support needs in the flow of where they work in Copilot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/ai-is-revolutionizing-the-way-we-support-corporate-functions-at-microsoft\/\">Discover ways that AI is revolutionizing support for corporate functions at Microsoft<\/a>. This post shares an overview of areas where AI can help support teams do their work more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/supercharging-our-support-experience-with-microsoft-dynamics-365-and-ai\/\">See how we\u2019re supercharging our support experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and AI<\/a>. This story outlines ways that AI is boosting our HR team\u2019s support for employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-365-copilot-enablement-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow the Microsoft IT admin guide<\/a> for Copilot onboarding, enablement, and support resources to ensure a smooth rollout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/success-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Access the Copilot Success Kit<\/a> for launch day assets, support templates, and troubleshooting guides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"chapter-5\">Chapter 5: Extending Copilot through agents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unlocking more tailored experiences by enabling employees and teams to create agents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As organizations and employees have matured with respect to AI, agentic extensibility is expanding the frontiers of this technology. By using and even creating agents that surface knowledge, take actions, and reinvent workflows, employees can personalize AI\u2019s capabilities to fulfill more specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10685bb4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ff4033b8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\"><strong>What is an agent?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-lg-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\">Agents are specialized AI-powered assistants that automate and execute business processes, working alongside or on behalf of a person, team, or organization. They range from simple prompt-and-response agents to more advanced, fully autonomous agents. Through specific instructions, grounding, connectors, APIs, and custom orchestration, creators can tailor agents to more focused workflows than a comprehensive AI solution like Microsoft 365 Copilot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Microsoft, we\u2019re leaning into the agentic future by empowering employees and teams to create agents of their own. Agents and their capabilities are incredibly varied. They range from pre-made <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/ai-agents\/agents-in-microsoft-365\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">out-of-the-box agents in Microsoft 365<\/a> embedded directly into Copilot Chat; to straightforward agents that employees create themselves using a simplified process also available through Copilot Chat; to Copilot Studio agent builder or SharePoint agent builder; all the way up to complex agents that can take action on behalf of users, designed using tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/customer-questions-answered-should-i-use-copilot-studio-or-azure-ai-foundry-to-build-my-agent\/\">Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Foundry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our goal has been to provide access and enable their use at appropriate levels for our employees and the company as a whole. To make that happen, we\u2019ve adopted a maturity model for agentic AI deployment. Early phases focus on using Copilot, grounded in enterprise data, to enhance knowledge discovery and retrieval. Later phases will enable our employees to act on that knowledge and even fully automate business workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phases of maturity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Workflow-Reinvention.png\" alt=\"Agentic AI agent types: retrieval, action, and automation.\" class=\"wp-image-22065\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5698692575266882;width:1228px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Workflow-Reinvention.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Workflow-Reinvention-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Workflow-Reinvention-768x489.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our levels of agentic capability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these levels of agentic capability requires different tools to create and depends on different policies to govern. In the simplest terms, this involves three levels of agent, each of which can handle progressively more complex tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"35\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Retrieval-agents.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22007\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Retrieval&nbsp;agents<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employees use low-code solutions like Copilot Chat or <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-365-copilot\/extensibility\/copilot-studio-agent-builder-build\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copilot Studio agent builder<\/a>, or they can access ready-made agents in Microsoft 365 or SharePoint to quickly train models and retrieve knowledge for specialized scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"41\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Knowledge-and-action.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22008\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Knowledge and action<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Powered by built-in connectors in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-copilot\/microsoft-copilot-studio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Copilot Studio<\/a>, agents go beyond simple knowledge retrieval, offering next steps and actions that help employees defragment their day-to-day experience.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Workflow-reinventions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22009\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Workflow reinvention<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Human-led, agent-operated teams perform fully autonomous actions to complete end-to-end workflows, enabling employees to focus on the highest value work while agents take care of repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the third level of maturity is still in its initial stages, our employees and teams are already creating retrieval agents and knowledge and action agents. Because retrieval agents don\u2019t require special tooling, we allow employees to create them at will through Copilot Chat and simplified agent builders in Copilot Studio and SharePoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more complex agents intended to meet enterprise needs across lines of business or the company as a whole, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlocking-enterprise-ai-extensibility-at-microsoft-with-microsoft-copilot-studio\/?msockid=23e0d9f2b6936c8025d6cc38b7d36de0\">our developers use more full-featured tools like Copilot Studio or Azure AI Foundry<\/a>. For these kinds of agents, we apply the same rigor, reviews, and software development lifecycle (SDL) we use as part of our standard internal app development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you explore the different kinds of agents available to your users and decide how and where to enable them, <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/ai-agents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">adoption.microsoft.com provides an excellent place to start<\/a>. It provides three different approaches to creating agents: Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, and Copilot Studio. Once you determine who should have access to each of these creation methods, you can follow our advice on driving adoption for this new practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, all of this choice adds complexity, so maintaining visibility and control over the agents your employees create can be a challenge. As a result, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/riding-the-wave-of-agents-washing-over-microsoft-with-good-governance\/\">we take a matrixed approach to creating and governing agents<\/a> based on different parameters. They include the type of agent, how the user creates it, its knowledge sources, the need for custom tooling, sharing and publishing permissions, and more. It will be helpful to review our strategy in full to help you think through the different parameters behind your agents, in addition to the processes and policies you\u2019ll need to put in place to govern them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping agents safe and effective through good governance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you enable your employees and teams to create and use agents, you\u2019ll need structures in place to govern these tools. At Microsoft, we incorporated elements of our tenant\u2019s minimum bar for governance into our policies for managing agents. These measures include Microsoft Information Protection, a functional inventory, activity logging, lifecycle management, and the ability to properly isolate agents against crossing data boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our general governance strategy operates at the container level, but agents bring extra functionality to the table. To govern these capabilities, we introduced further controls like sharing limits, breadth of knowledge sources, agent metadata, and information about an agent\u2019s behaviors. The result is a proactive approach to governance backstopped by reactive structures that catch any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you think about governing your own agents, consider the four core principles we\u2019ve established at Microsoft Digital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22032\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">We empower employees to create and share simple, low-risk agents<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">We provide a safe space and personal flexibility that allows individual employees to experiment without implicating company data or content users don\u2019t own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22033\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">We capture and vet sensitive data flows at the enterprise level<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">More complex or far-reaching agents owned by teams or lines of business need enterprise documentation to account for external audits or security and privacy validation. Builders need to demonstrate that they\u2019ve thought through the security and privacy implications of their agents, so these projects go through approval process flows similar to other professionally developed apps before we trust them with potentially sensitive data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22034\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">We protect data designated confidential or higher<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">We contain data flows to tenant mandates and only trust suitable storage destinations for content. That depends on the ability to gate which connectors can work with particular source data and sensitivity labels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22035\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">We honor the enterprise lifecycle&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12)\">Both user-based and attestation-based lifecycles come into play. We treat agents that individual employees own like any other user-created app and delete them when that individual leaves the organization. Agents owned by teams have a lifecycle defined by the tenant and tied to attestation, the SDL, and accountability confirmations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have your governance policies and procedures in place, you can begin your rollout to users through many of the same strategies and processes we\u2019ve discussed in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning from our experience with agents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f14c24dc wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"42\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Cascade-adoption-efforts.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21990\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Connect with relevant stakeholders<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establish early communication and collaboration with members of your security, legal, compliance, IT, and other teams who can help you define ways to configure Copilot Studio agent builder safely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"30\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Empower-champions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21991\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Trust and empower<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provide safe spaces with appropriate guardrails for individual employees to experiment with simple agents. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlocking-enterprise-ai-extensibility-at-microsoft-with-microsoft-copilot-studio\/\">Copilot Studio agent builder<\/a>&nbsp;is a great place to start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"31\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Empower-employees.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21992\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Expand enterprise capabilities<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Empower a small number of trusted creators to experiment with more powerful agent-building tools under the close watch of IT, Governance, Security, Privacy, Data, and HR teams. This will reveal gaps in process and policy and inform future reviews.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"41\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Create-excitement.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21993\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Solidify labeling and data<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Revisit your labeling structures and data flows. It will be important to have these structures in place to support this new agentic environment.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\">Start by learning from our experience governing Copilot at Microsoft.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Gamify-learning.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21994\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Extend your review process<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adapt any review processes you already have in place to agents, including security, privacy, and accessibility. Embed those reviews into your publishing workflow for agents operating above the individual level.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/ai\/principles-and-approach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consider adding reviews for Responsible AI.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-d8344436 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9c22b1e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"42\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Understand.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21995\" style=\"width:36px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Prevent agent sprawl<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establish a reasonable enterprise lifecycle for agents that includes attestation. That will keep agents from sprawling or remaining in place after employees have left your organization or simply no longer need a particular agent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use these tips as your guide as you build out and implement your adoption plan. They are based on our own experience internally at Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Plan and adapt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Connect with stakeholders on relevant teams, including Security, Legal, Compliance, HR, and IT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Revisit your overall governance and labeling policies and procedures and update them to reflect the needs of agents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Plan and document your intended review process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Build your matrix of agent capabilities and parameters and map governance policies and procedures to each aspect of agents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Decide how your SDL procedures will map to agents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Run pilots with select teams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Determine your pilot teams. IT and other teams who will be responsible for determining policy are good places to start, for example, Security and HR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Establish a feedback and monitoring pipeline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Fine-tune your review and remediation procedures based on your learnings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Enable agents across your organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Ensure Purview DLP, Microsoft Information Protection, and other backstops are in place before widely enabling agents for users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Deploy adoption communications and change management efforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Enable simple agent builder capabilities for your general workforce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Enable more complex agent creation for developers on IT and line of business teams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/the-agentic-future-how-were-becoming-an-ai-first-frontier-firm-at-microsoft\/\">Read about how embracing the agentic future is enabling us to become an AI-first Frontier Firm.<\/a> This post shares our vision for using agents to transform the workplace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/riding-the-wave-of-agents-washing-over-microsoft-with-good-governance\/\">Read how good governance is helping us ride the wave of agents washing over Microsoft<\/a>. This article outlines the governance strategies we\u2019ve adapted to the new agentic moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/deploying-microsoft-agent-365-how-were-extending-our-infrastructure-to-manage-agents-at-microsoft\/\">Find out more about our deployment of Microsoft Agent 365 at Microsoft.<\/a> This post shows how we\u2019re using this new platform to manage our agent ecosystem.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unlocking-enterprise-ai-extensibility-at-microsoft-with-microsoft-copilot-studio\/?msockid=23e0d9f2b6936c8025d6cc38b7d36de0\">See how we\u2019re unlocking enterprise AI extensibility with Copilot Studio.<\/a> Read about Microsoft\u2019s internal AI development initiatives and how we\u2019re using and governing Copilot Studio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-our-employees-are-extending-enterprise-ai-with-custom-retrieval-agents\/\">Learn how we&#8217;re enabling our employees to build custom retrieval agents.<\/a> These agents are empowering our workers to accomplish more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/keeping-our-network-infrastructure-healthy-at-microsoft-with-an-employee-built-ai-agent\/\">Discover how we\u2019re keeping our network infrastructure healthy at Microsoft with an employee-built AI agent.<\/a> This article shares how our team built an agent to improve how we manage our network.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/unleashing-api-powered-agents-at-microsoft-our-internal-learnings-and-a-step-by-step-guide\/\">Access our internal learnings and a step-by-step guide for unleashing API-powered agents at Microsoft.<\/a> This article explains API agents and shares lessons from our journey using them internally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/azure\/cloud-adoption-framework\/ai-agents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore the company\u2019s official AI agent adoption guidance<\/a> to plan, govern, and operate agents using proven frameworks and best practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/ai-agents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit the AI Agents Hub on Microsoft Adoption<\/a> to access webinars, quick-start guides, and business scenarios for Copilot, Foundry, and Copilot Studio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/microsoft-365\/agent-essentials\/m365-agents-blueprint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow the Microsoft 365 Copilot Agents Deployment Blueprint<\/a> to enable agents at scale with security, governance, and measurement strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/files\/agents\/AgenticAutomationAdoptionGuide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download the Agentic Automation Adoption Guide<\/a> to learn migration strategies, governance models, and business value for agentic automation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/security\/security-for-ai\/agent-365-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Secure your agents at scale with Microsoft Agent 365 guidance<\/a> for unified identity, compliance, and control across platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/ai\/responsible-ai?msockid=3702b47881576ac600afa2e6809f6b09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn about the Responsible AI policies and practices<\/a> that we use to guide our use of AI at Microsoft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Applying our deployment lessons at your company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You\u2019ve learned from our Copilot deployment. It\u2019s time to get started on yours.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Embarking on your Microsoft 365 Copilot deployment journey might seem daunting, but by capitalizing on the lessons that we\u2019ve learned during our internal deployment, you can both speed up the process and avoid any pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10685bb4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ff4033b8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Stephen-Keramatlian.png\" alt=\"A photo of Kerametlian\" class=\"wp-image-22062\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Stephen-Keramatlian.png 500w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Stephen-Keramatlian-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Stephen-Keramatlian-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-xl-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4);font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><em>\u201cDeploying Copilot internally has inspired us to dive deeper into the power of AI assistance, which is enabling us to enhance our employee experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-gray-800-color has-text-color has-link-color has-body-lg-font-size wp-elements-b44fd2d8db4a08b58cde134cd714d4bc wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-4)\"><strong>Stephan Kerametlian, business program management senior director, Microsoft Digital<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By anchoring your work in careful planning and using the steps and resources provided in this guide, you can unleash a new era of productivity through Copilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re not in this alone. If you\u2019re looking for support or knowledge on any aspect of your deployment, reach out to our customer success team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For inspiration around ways that Copilot can become your employees\u2019 AI assistant at work, read stories about how we\u2019re using AI within Microsoft Digital and Microsoft as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDeploying Copilot internally has inspired us to dive deeper into the power of AI assistance, which is enabling us to enhance our employee experience,\u201d says Stephan Kerametlian, a business program management senior director within Microsoft Digital.&nbsp;\u201cWith the lessons we learned from our deployment, we\u2019re confident that we can support businesses around the world as they achieve more through the next generation of intelligent experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-purple-to-blue-gradient-background has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-85f1a67b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dc88a664 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-12);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--spacing-16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-takeaways.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21947\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide reflects our learnings and the processes we followed during our internal rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This last set of tips summarizes the major actions you can take to get started with Copilot at your company. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Start with strong governance:<\/strong> Build a clear labeling and data protection strategy before deploying Copilot to safeguard sensitive information and meet compliance needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Pilot, then scale:<\/strong> Roll out Copilot in phases, beginning with pilot groups to gather feedback and refine your approach before expanding companywide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Communicate early and often:<\/strong> Proactive communication and leadership sponsorship are essential for managing expectations and driving successful adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Empower champions:<\/strong> Identify and enable employee champions to share best practices, tips, and real-world scenarios that help others get value from Copilot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Invest in training:<\/strong> Provide tailored learning resources and support to help users build confidence and skills with Copilot in their daily workflows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Measure and optimize:<\/strong> Track usage, collect feedback, and continuously refine your deployment to maximize impact and uncover new opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Plan for support:<\/strong> Set up self-service and human support channels early so employees can get help quickly and keep momentum going.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Extend with agents:<\/strong> As your organization matures, explore agentic AI to automate workflows and unlock even greater productivity gains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Key-actions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21950\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Key actions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How we did it at Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/becoming-a-frontier-firm-our-it-playbook-for-the-ai-era\/\">Read our IT playbook for becoming a Frontier Firm in the era of AI.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/enterprise-ai-maturity-in-five-steps-our-guide-for-it-leaders\/\">Review our five-step AI maturity guide for IT leaders.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\">Use our detailed Copilot governance readiness guide\u2014based on our internal experience here at Microsoft\u2014to manage the governance of your Copilot deployment.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/digitally-transforming-microsoft-our-it-journey\/\">Learn how our IT organization is powering our companywide digital transformation.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/copilot-for-microsoft-365-for-executives-sharing-our-internal-deployment-and-adoption-journey-at-microsoft\/\">View our condensed, CIO version of this guide.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further guidance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/Copilot\/TechnicalReadinessGuide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use this technical readiness guide to manage your Copilot deployment (PowerPoint download).<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/Copilot\/TrainingContentMap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out this content map to help you organize your Copilot deployment (PowerPoint download).<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Find the best overall Copilot deployment and adoption guidance at <a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">adoption.microsoft.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"43\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Try-it-out.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22013\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Try it out<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.microsoft.com\/en-us\/copilot\/?OCID=InsideTrack_Product_10747\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn how to get ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot at your company.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:48px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"54\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/uploads\/prod\/2026\/01\/Wed-like-to-hear-from-you.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22014\" style=\"width:48px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">We&#8217;d like to hear from you!<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-no-bullets\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/insidetrack\/blog\/how-were-tackling-microsoft-365-copilot-governance-internally-at-microsoft\/\"><\/a><a href=\"mailto:msitstaff@microsoft.com\">Want more information? Email us and include a link to this story, and we\u2019ll get back to you.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot: A next-generation business tool Welcome to the new era of productivity Generative AI has captured the world\u2019s attention, and businesses are taking notice. According to our Work Trends Annual Report, 70% of people would delegate as much work as possible to AI to lessen their workloads. \u201cI\u2019m inspired by the transformative [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":115,"featured_media":22188,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_hide_featured_on_single":false,"_show_featured_caption_on_single":true,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71,854],"tags":[199,868,137,89,597,850,853,852,263,827,848],"coauthors":[622],"class_list":["post-21913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-readiness-guide","tag-ai","tag-ai-deployment-and-adoption","tag-change-management","tag-digital-transformation","tag-employee-experience","tag-end-user-services-and-support","tag-enterprise-data","tag-it-and-business-operations","tag-microsoft-365","tag-microsoft-365-copilot","tag-security-and-risk-management","m-blog-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - 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