Microsoft is taking another step toward simplifying the Copilot experience. The app previously known as the Microsoft Copilot 365 app is transitioning to the simpler name Microsoft Copilot, accompanied by a refreshed icon and a more unified experience across web, desktop, and mobile.
This follows an earlier change that started on January 15, 2025, when the Microsoft 365 (Office) app began transitioning to the Microsoft Copilot 365 app. Microsoft is now continuing that simplification by moving toward the Microsoft Copilot app name and consolidating the web experience around copilot.cloud.microsoft.
What does the change mean?
The change is more than just removing “365” from the app name.
Microsoft is bringing personal, work, and school Copilot experiences into a more cohesive application. Users can sign in with their personal Microsoft account or their work or school account and switch between them, while their personal and organizational data remain separated.
For business users, Copilot continues to connect with the Microsoft 365 applications they already use, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. Depending on the user’s Microsoft 365 and Copilot licensing, additional AI capabilities become available within the experience.
What about Copilot Chat?
Copilot Chat remains an important part of the experience. For work and school accounts, Microsoft states that Copilot Chat is available at no additional cost to eligible Microsoft 365 users, while users with a Microsoft Copilot license receive the broader Copilot experience and capabilities connected to their work.
This means organizations should distinguish between the Microsoft Copilot app, which is the application and entry point, and the Copilot capabilities and licenses available to an individual user.
Why does this matter?
From an adoption perspective, I see this as an important simplification.
Instead of thinking about AI as another application that employees need to learn, Microsoft is increasingly positioning Copilot as the place where work starts. Users can move between AI conversations, files, Microsoft 365 applications and organizational content from a unified experience.
For organizations already rolling out Copilot, the name change is also a good opportunity to update training materials, adoption communications, internal portals and user guides so employees understand the new Microsoft Copilot identity and, importantly, what capabilities are available with their specific license.
In short
Microsoft 365 is not being renamed to Copilot. Rather, the Microsoft Copilot 365 app is becoming the Microsoft Copilot app, as Microsoft moves toward a simpler and more unified AI experience. The familiar Microsoft 365 applications remain, while Copilot increasingly becomes the intelligent layer connecting users to their work, applications and information.
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