Microsoft AI Updates: April 16, 2026

1. Microsoft Removes Free Copilot Chat from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote

Microsoft. Starting April 15, Microsoft switched off free Copilot Chat inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for unlicensed Microsoft 365 business users. Organizations with 2,000+ users lose the in-app Copilot button and rail panel entirely, while smaller organizations retain standard access with possible throttling during peak demand. Users can still access Copilot Chat via the standalone Microsoft 365 Copilot app and in Outlook. Source