How to enable copilot in outlook?

Buczek, Ewa [SVCS] 0 Reputation points
2026-09-25T16:00:08.0266667+00:00

HI,

In my Outlook the Copilot tab is greyed and does not work.

How to enable copilot in outlook?

REgards,

Microsoft Copilot | Other
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Answer recommended by moderator
EmilyS_726 34,465 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-10-16T01:31:09.6833333+00:00

This was a known issue for Classic Outlook build 20026.20182 and higher. But as of today, it was announced that it has been fixed. You might want to check if yours is fixed. See update from today:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/support/known-issues/copilot-buttons-gone-classic-outlook-windows

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  1. Thomas4-N 23,670 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-27T15:04:42+00:00

    Hello Buczek, Ewa [SVCS],

    Is this classic Outlook for Windows, new Outlook, or Outlook on the web? Also, where do you see the greyed-out Copilot tab?

    If it’s classic Outlook, please check File > Office Account and share the version and build number. That should help us tell whether the known classic Outlook issue applies, rather than having you try steps that may not fit your version.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-25T16:00:26.3166667+00:00

    If Copilot is grayed out in Outlook, use this sequence:

    1. Check whether this is classic Outlook for Windows on build 20026.20182 or later. There is a known issue where Copilot Chat or Copilot entry points can be missing, unavailable, or grayed out in classic Outlook after updating to build 20026.20182 and higher.
    2. Use a supported workaround for the known issue. Microsoft’s documented workarounds are:
      • use new Outlook
      • use Outlook on the web (OWA)
      • create a new Outlook profile
    3. Turn on “Show Apps in Outlook” in classic Outlook.
      • Go to File > Options
      • Select Advanced
      • Under Outlook panes, check Show Apps in Outlook
    4. Refresh the Microsoft 365 license. In any Microsoft 365 app on Windows:
      • Go to File > Account
      • Select Update License
      • Close and restart all Microsoft 365 apps
    5. Check the Microsoft 365 update channel if this is a work account. Copilot features are not available in Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Business users need Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel. To check:
      • Open a Microsoft 365 app
      • Go to File > Account
      • In Product Information, look for the channel name
    6. Check privacy settings in Microsoft 365. In a Microsoft 365 app:
      • Go to File > Account
      • Under Account Privacy, select Manage Settings
      • Confirm Experiences that analyze your content is turned on
      • Confirm All connected experiences is turned on If the device is managed by an organization, these settings may be controlled by IT.
    7. Make sure Copilot is not hidden by the Outlook Copilot toggle. In Outlook:
      • Open Settings
      • Go to the Copilot tab
      • Adjust the Copilot toggle so Copilot entry points are shown

    If the issue is only in classic Outlook and the app is on build 20026.20182 or later, the most likely cause is the current known issue. In that case, the practical workaround is to use new Outlook or OWA, or create a new Outlook profile.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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