Microsoft resumes forced Copilot app installation on some Windows PCs

After a brief pause due to technical issues, Microsoft is again pushing a Microsoft 365 app to qualifying devices, though admins still have options.

Microsoft 365 Copilot logo

Late last year, Microsoft planned to begin the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on certain Windows PCs. However, in March 2026, it disabled this process due to a technical issue and informed customers that it would let them know when it would resume. It seems like that was only a temporary respite, as the Redmond tech giant has started the forced installation of the app on eligible devices.

In an update on its Message Center for IT admins, Microsoft has informed customers that it is resuming the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot on commercial Windows PCs that have Microsoft 365 apps already installed. What this means is that if you have Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more installed on your Windows PC through a Microsoft 365 license, you'll likely see the Microsoft 365 Copilot app pop up in your Installed Apps section soon, too.

Fortunately, IT admins do have some control over this rollout. If they choose to opt out, devices in their tenant won't automatically get the dreaded Copilot app. However, phased rollout via feature flags has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of June:

Feature Flag1: started Jun 4, expected to finish June 10
Feature Flag2: expected to start on June 11, expected to finish on June 17
MSGraph schema rollout: expected to start on June 18, expected to finish on June 24
Feature Flag3: expected to start on June 25, expected to complete by July 1st

Microsoft hasn't detailed what the process is to toggle the feature flags in its Message Center, and its public support page does not seem to mention it yet either.

The Redmond tech giant has encouraged IT admins to let users know beforehand so they aren't caught by surprise to see a new app seemingly installed without manual interaction or their consent. Users who already have the app installed or are based in the European Economic Area (EEA) are unaffected by this move, which Microsoft has understandably flagged as a "major change".