By Richard Speed
Publication Date: 2026-02-26 14:28:00
Microsoft has announced that its Edge browser will automatically open the Copilot side pane when users open links from Outlook.
The feature appeared on the Microsoft 365 roadmap on February 25, with a rollout due to start in May 2026. According to Microsoft, the update will “provide contextual insights and actionable suggestion chips [sic] based on email and destination content.”
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It added: “This experience helps users quickly understand content, take action with fewer steps, and get more value from Copilot while extending productive browsing time in Edge.”
The update is consistent with Microsoft’s current Copilot-everywhere strategy and will roll out worldwide to standard multi-tenant cloud instances.
Whether it will be opt-in or opt-out remains unconfirmed, though users hoping for a conveniently placed off switch may be disappointed. Microsoft is keen to put its AI assistant in front of as many users…
