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Microsoft is adding a floating Copilot Chat window to Outlook for Mac and iPad, letting users access AI without leaving their email workflow.

Usama Jawad

Neowin
·

Aug 20, 2026 05:44 EDT

Copilot and Outlook

It is safe to say that Microsoft’s Copilot has been controversial since launch, and despite the company constantly repositioning it from a strategy perspective, response to the AI tool remains lukewarm. The Redmond tech giant recently began exploring the idea of a floating Dynamic Action Button (DAB) for Copilot across Microsoft 365 apps so that it is always accessible, but customers weren’t too pleased with this approach. Now, the firm is trying another UX strategy to make Copilot more palatable for users.

In an announcement published for IT admins on the Message Center via MC1454996, Microsoft has explained that it will soon allow Outlook for Mac and iPad customers to pop out Copilot Chat into a dedicated floating window. This will enable users to work in parallel with Copilot without requiring frequent context switching. The Copilot Chat window will just float on the side without interrupting your email workflow.

In terms of UX, Outlook customers on these platforms will see a Pop out button for Copilot Chat, which will allow the interface to float over their main Outlook window. Mac users will be able to drag and resize this Copilot Chat window within the frame of the Outlook window. Meanwhile, iPad users will only be allowed to resize it vertically and move it horizontally. Users will be able to leverage a Return button to revert this pop out functionality back to the main window and will also have the option to utilize the Close button to exit Copilot Chat completely.

Microsoft has informed IT admins that this feature will be available for all Outlook for Mac and iPad customers who have access to Copilot Chat. As such, no action is required, but some organizations may want to inform their workforce about this change. Microsoft will begin rolling out this UX later this month, with rollout completion expected within a couple of weeks after the start date.