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We’re introducing a new AI Admin Role for Microsoft 365 Copilot Search to provide organizations with enhanced control and flexibility in managing AI-powered search experiences. This role enables designated admins to configure, monitor, and govern Copilot Search capabilities across their tenant.
When this will happen:
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins mid-September 2025 and is expected to complete by September 22, 2025.
How this affects your organization:
- Admins assigned the new AI Admin Role will be able to manage Copilot Search settings and capabilities for their organization.
- This feature is on by default for tenants with eligible licenses and assigned roles.
- No changes will be made to existing admin roles unless explicitly assigned.
What you can do to prepare:
- Ensure that designated admins are assigned the AI Admin Role.
- Confirm that your organization has the Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
- Review role assignment practices in Microsoft Entra ID to manage access.
Learn more: About admin roles in the Microsoft 365 admin center – Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn
Compliance considerations:
| Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data? |
Yes. This update introduces the AI Admin Role, which enables designated administrators to manage AI-powered Copilot Search experiences that interact with customer data across Microsoft 365 services. |
| Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed (e.g., documents, emails, chats, etc.)? |
Yes. AI-powered search may surface data across services based on user permissions, potentially altering how data is accessed and presented. |
| =Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI? |
Yes. Copilot Search enhances the user experience by enabling generative AI-powered search capabilities across Microsoft 365. |
| Does the change alter how admins can monitor, report on, or demonstrate compliance activities (e.g., Purview or admin reporting)? |
Yes. The AI Admin Role includes new governance and monitoring capabilities for Copilot Search, allowing admins to oversee AI interactions and usage. |
| Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership? |
Yes. Admin access to Copilot Search capabilities is managed via the AI Admin Role, which can be assigned and controlled through Microsoft Entra ID group membership. |
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