Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates OpenAI’s GPT-5.6
Microsoft has integrated OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 model family into Microsoft 365 Copilot, available from 9 July 2026. The update aims to enhance Copilot’s capacity for high-level work across Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
What happened?
From 9 July 2026, the OpenAI GPT-5.6 model family is available in Microsoft 365 Copilot. The integration spans applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chat and Cowork. Microsoft will utilise GPT-5.6 as the primary model for Copilot, optimised for advanced professional workflows within the Microsoft 365 suite.
Key facts
| Modell | OpenAI GPT-5.6-familjen |
|---|---|
| Tillgänglig sedan | 9 juli 2026 |
| Berörda applikationer | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chat, Cowork |
”Starting today, OpenAI's GPT-5.6 family of models is available in Microsoft 365 Copilot—in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chat and Cowork. OpenAI and Microsoft partnered together to optimize GPT-5.6 for knowledge work across Microsoft 365 apps and make it the preferred model for Micros”
”With stronger reasoning for agentic, multi-step work, GPT-5.6 helps Copilot take on more of that complexity more efficiently, moving faster from initial ideas to more complete work. Microsoft 365 Copilot is AI built for work, where frontier models like GPT-5.6 are an important pa”
Why it matters
This update aims to improve Copilot’s Ability to handle complex tasks, resulting in more efficient processes from ideation to finished product. GPT-5.6 is expected to deliver superior drafting, clearer analysis and richer presentation suggestions. It represents a key component of Microsoft’s strategy to deliver business value through AI, with a sustained focus on security and compliance.
Who is affected?
Users of Microsoft 365 Copilot, particularly professionals using Word, Excel and PowerPoint for advanced tasks. Developers building solutions on the Microsoft 365 platform may also be impacted by the new models' capabilities. Businesses invested in the Microsoft ecosystem are directly affected.
Impact on the EU
The integration of GPT-5.6 into Microsoft 365 Copilot is available globally. For EU users, this provides access to enhanced AI functionality. Microsoft continues to emphasise compliance with security and privacy standards, which is particularly relevant within the EU under regulations such as GDPR.
What else you should know
Microsoft will also access OpenAI models via API to implement GPT-5.6 for its customers. This demonstrates the deep collaboration between OpenAI and Microsoft in driving AI development within the corporate sector.
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