Open Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and PDF files in Copilot Chat
[Windows, Mac, Web]
Currently, clicking on cited content in Copilot opens files outside of Copilot. With this new feature, content can be opened directly in Copilot Chat to make viewing documents more streamlined alongside chat. This change is not available on the Microsfot 365 Copilot mobile app or when using Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Excel, Copilot in Word, and Copilot PowerPoint.
Roadmap ID:
548641
Details:
What changed:
Previously, clicking on cited content in Copilot opened files in a new browser tab outside of Copilot. Now, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files open directly within Copilot Chat, allowing users to view documents alongside their chat session. This feature is not available on the Copilot mobile app or when using Copilot in Edge, Excel, Word, or PowerPoint applications.
Why:
Opening files directly in Copilot Chat reduces context switching and improves workflow efficiency by keeping documents and chat in one interface.
Try this:
In Copilot Chat, click a cited Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or PDF file link.
View the file open directly within the Copilot Chat pane.
Interact with the document while continuing your chat session.
Why this matters:
Viewing documents alongside chat helps users stay focused and speeds up collaboration and information review.
Business impact:
Teams can collaborate more efficiently by reducing the need to switch between multiple tabs or applications.
Personal impact:
You save time and reduce distractions by accessing files directly within your chat environment.