Microsoft 365 Copilot Name Change
Microsoft 365 Copilot: What the Office Name Change Means for Your Business
You may have recently noticed Microsoft Office being referred to differently across your apps and dashboards. This change reflects Microsoft’s latest update to its productivity platform, placing Microsoft 365 Copilot AI tools more centrally within the Microsoft 365 experience.
If you’re wondering what this means for your business and whether you need to take action, here’s a clear explanation without the hype.
Why Microsoft Has Updated the Office Brand to Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft has repositioned its Office apps under a new naming structure that highlights its AI assistant.
Instead of seeing “Office” or “Office 365”, users may now encounter:
- A Microsoft 365 app experience with Copilot features
- AI tools appearing in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
- Office.com redirecting to Microsoft 365 plans that reference Copilot functionality
According to Microsoft’s own documentation, this change reflects how AI is becoming part of everyday workflows rather than a separate tool.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/
What the Microsoft 365 Copilot Experience Actually Does
The AI assistant built into Microsoft 365 is designed to support everyday work, not replace it.
Depending on your licence, features may include:
- Drafting and summarising documents
- Analysing data in Excel
- Creating presentations more quickly
- Summarising meetings and emails
- Finding information across Microsoft 365 apps
Are Word, Excel and Outlook Still the Same?
Yes, the familiar Office applications are still there and continue to work exactly as before.
The change is largely about how Microsoft presents and integrates Microsoft 365 Copilot AI tools, rather than removing or replacing core software. Businesses can continue using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook without enabling AI features.
Addressing Privacy and Control Concerns about Microsoft 365 Copilot
Some online discussion has raised concerns about privacy and AI tools. For business users, it’s important to understand that:
- AI features operate within existing Microsoft 365 security controls
- Data access follows user permissions and policies
- Advanced features require specific licences
- AI tools can be restricted or disabled if required
Microsoft provides detailed guidance on managing these settings, allowing organisations to remain in control of how features are used.
What Microsoft 365 Copilot Means for UK Businesses
For most organisations, there’s no immediate impact:
- Your Microsoft 365 setup remains unchanged
- Staff can continue working as normal
- AI tools are optional, not forced
- Files, emails and permissions stay the same
For businesses that choose to explore Microsoft 365 Copilot AI features, the benefits are often seen in time-saving tasks, reporting, and collaboration – particularly in admin-heavy roles.
Reviewing Your Microsoft 365 Setup
This change provides a good opportunity to review:
- Microsoft 365 licences and inclusions
- Which users (if any) should access AI features
- Security and privacy settings
- Staff guidance and training needs
A structured review helps ensure you’re paying for the right tools – and only using what adds value.
How Digicomm 360 Supports Microsoft 365 Copilot Customers
Digicomm 360 supports businesses with Microsoft 365 planning, setup and ongoing support.
We regularly help clients with:
- Microsoft 365 licensing and optimisation
- Copilot readiness and configuration
- Security and compliance reviews
- User support and training
- Ongoing business IT support
Learn more about our Microsoft 365 services
Explore our Business IT Support & Maintenance
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s updated naming reflects the future direction of workplace software – but it doesn’t require businesses to change how they work overnight.
With the right advice and setup, AI tools can be introduced sensibly, securely, and only where they add value.
If you’d like to review your Microsoft 365 environment or discuss whether Copilot features are right for your organisation, we’re here to help. Get in touch with the experts today.
