🚀 What’s New in Microsoft 365 Copilot – May 2025 Update
- Alex Hughes
- May 30
- 3 min read
Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of workplace AI once again, and this month’s updates to Microsoft 365 are packed with features that redefine productivity, security, and usability. Whether you're managing projects, safeguarding sensitive data, or simply looking to speed up everyday tasks, the new Copilot upgrades are designed with you in mind.
Let’s dive into what’s new—and why it matters. 👇
🔐 Smarter, Safer AI with Purview DLP
Security isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential. The new Copilot now works hand-in-hand with Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. That means AI-generated content will now respect your organisation’s data protection rules.
⚠️ Trying to summarise or share sensitive content? If it’s flagged by DLP, Copilot will step back—helping you stay compliant without even thinking about it.
This update is a major win for IT teams and CISOs who want the benefits of AI without compromising on governance.
📊 Unified Analytics with Viva Insights
Tired of jumping between dashboards to see how Copilot is performing? Microsoft has merged the Copilot Dashboard with Viva Insights, giving admins a single view of usage and engagement across the organisation.
Now you can:
Monitor adoption trends 📈
Identify high-impact Copilot usage 💡
Optimise AI rollout strategies 🧠
It’s all about getting better visibility, so you can make smarter decisions—backed by data.
🗣️ New Ways to Interact: Voice and Read-Aloud Features
If you thought AI couldn't get more intuitive, think again. The new Copilot is going hands-free. You can now dictate prompts using your voice in Copilot Chat, and soon, it’ll even read responses aloud.
Perfect for:
Accessibility support
Multitaskers who don’t want to stop typing 📞
Teams working on the go
These features are rolling out in May and June 2025, and they’re a big step towards making AI more inclusive and user-friendly.
📎 Smarter Email Summaries in Outlook
Attachments slowing you down? The new Copilot in Outlook can now summarise Word, PowerPoint, and PDF files—right in your inbox. No need to open each one.
It’s a game-changer for:
Sales teams scanning proposals
HR reviewing CVs
Project managers catching up on reports
Fast, focused, and friction-free.
📁 SharePoint + OneDrive Integration
Need to pull files from a team folder during a chat? Copilot Chat now supports direct access to content stored in SharePoint and OneDrive for Business. Just ask, and the AI will know where to look.
This makes team collaboration slicker, faster, and more connected.
📓 Introducing Copilot Notebooks in OneNote
For those who love structured thinking, the new Copilot now brings Copilot Notebooks to OneNote. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy who never sleeps. Use it for:
Research planning
Data breakdowns 📊
Multi-step prompts and complex tasks
Whether you're a student or a CTO, this one's for you.
✍️ A Better 'Create' Experience
Microsoft has also redesigned the Create experience in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Think smoother prompts, faster results, and more intuitive workflows for generating content.
From blog posts to board decks, creating high-quality work has never been easier—or quicker.
🛡️ Compliance-Ready for Public Sector
Big news for government and regulated industries: Copilot Chat is now available in the GCC Moderate environment. That means more organisations can take advantage of AI while staying compliant with strict security standards.
🔮 The New Copilot: What This Means for You
The new Copilot isn’t just an AI assistant—it’s quickly becoming the digital teammate every modern business needs. With deeper integration, stronger compliance, and even voice-powered interaction, it’s clear Microsoft is doubling down on AI that actually works for real people in real workplaces.
