Microsoft 365 is getting a ‘massive’ redesign early next year

Microsoft is shaking things up with a significant redesign of its Microsoft 365 app, set to roll out in mid-January 2025. The tech giant has announced a complete overhaul of the app’s user interface, along with a new name and icon, rebranding the app as Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Here’s what to expect from the upcoming changes:

Key UI Changes

1. No More Top Header
   The familiar top header is being removed. Instead, key tools such as user profile, settings, and feedback will be relocated to the bottom left toolbar. This makes it easier for users to access these options without cluttering the top of the screen.
2. Search Box Moves to the Homepage
   The search function will now be prominently featured on the homepage, allowing users to search across multiple file types and storage locations. While the search experience itself remains unchanged, this repositioning makes it more accessible.
3. AI Features Front and Center
   AI-powered features like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Copilot Pages will be grouped together in the app, making it easier for users to explore AI-driven tools in one place. These new AI tools will help users with everything from brainstorming ideas to drafting content.
4. Organizational Logo No Longer Visible
   The organization’s logo, which previously appeared in the top header, will no longer be visible in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. However, this change will not affect other Microsoft 365 apps where the logo will still appear.
5. Removal of the ‘Back’ Button
   The ‘Back’ button will be retired from the Windows version of the app. Users will still be able to navigate between pages using the left AppBar, ensuring a smooth experience.
6. End of the ‘My Day’ Feature
   The “My Day” feature, which was used for accessing calendar and to-do lists, will be removed from the app. However, this change will not impact the availability of the “My Day” feature in other Microsoft 365 apps.
7. Retirement of the ‘Help Me Create’ Feature
   The “Help me create” feature, which assisted users in going from ideas to document creation with the help of an AI language model, will be retired. As Microsoft 365 Copilot becomes the central hub for AI features, document creation tools will be integrated into the new Copilot tab. Users will still be able to brainstorm, draft, and refine content, but now within the Copilot Chat and Copilot Pages.

What This Means for You
With these changes, Microsoft is making the user experience more streamlined and AI-focused. The removal of redundant features and the centralization of AI tools under the Copilot tab aim to make navigating Microsoft 365 easier and more intuitive. The rebranding of the app to Microsoft 365 Copilot signifies a shift towards enhanced AI integration, further improving productivity and user experience.

Rollout Date
These updates will begin rolling out in mid-January 2025, so be on the lookout for the changes in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as Microsoft continues to evolve its offerings and enhance the overall user experience.

At IT Regulators, we specialize in providing comprehensive Office 365 support in Chicago, helping businesses navigate the evolving landscape of cloud-based productivity tools. If your organization is looking to optimize its Microsoft 365 experience or ensure a seamless transition to the new Microsoft 365 Copilot, our team of experts is here to assist. Reach out today for personalized IT support tailored to your business needs!