Microsoft is updating the Copilot app for personal and work or school accounts, while retiring some features in the consumer app. Most chats and created content are expected to move, and free chat and image creation remain available subject to limits. But Group Chat content will not carry forward after August 18, 2026, Podcasts will no longer be available after that date, and retirement of consumer-app Deep Research starts on that date. Save or download anything you want to keep from the features being retired.
What is changing in the Copilot app?
Microsoft describes this as an app update and account transition, not the end of consumer Copilot. The updated app brings together Copilot chat and image creation with access to Microsoft 365 apps and content. Personal-account users coming from the consumer Copilot web experience move to the updated app; Microsoft says most chats and content carry forward. If you have used both consumer Copilot app experiences, chat history and created content may be merged.
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Most updates happen automatically, and web users are redirected. Mobile users may need to update the app. Microsoft says temporary gaps can occur during rollout, and does not give one universal timetable for every account. If your app has not changed, check for an app update and confirm which account is signed in.
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| Feature | What Microsoft says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chats and most created content | Most will carry forward to the updated app. Content from features being retired may be handled differently. | Check your history after the transition; save anything tied to a retiring feature before it happens. |
| Group Chat | Threads, messages, and content—including created images—will not carry forward after August 18, 2026. | Copy messages and download images you want to keep before the account update. |
| Podcasts | Podcasts will no longer be available after August 18, 2026. | Download individual podcasts you want to keep using the download option in the podcast library. |
| Deep Research | Retirement in the consumer Copilot app starts August 18, 2026. Microsoft’s wording describes a start date, not a claim that every user loses access at the same instant. | Do not assume continued availability after that date; check the app for current access. |
These dates are from Microsoft Support’s update article, Copilot App Updates for Personal, Work, and School Accounts. The distinctions matter: Group Chat content has a specific carry-forward warning, Podcasts have a stated download option, and Deep Research has a phased-sounding retirement formulation.
Is Microsoft Copilot still free?
Yes. Microsoft Support says, “You can continue to chat with Copilot, create images, upload files and more for free, subject to available capacity and limits.” If you hit a limit, Microsoft says you can upgrade or return later. Free access does not mean unlimited use.
Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Premium, and Pro plans include AI features, but limits and AI credit allocations vary by plan, feature, entry point, and system conditions. AI benefits are available to the subscription owner and cannot be shared with others. Microsoft’s September 2026 support article explains the current terms: AI credits and limits for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Use its current plan details rather than relying on a quota quoted elsewhere, since allowances can change.
A subscription can provide higher usage limits or plan-specific AI capabilities. Microsoft’s support material does not say that paying for Microsoft 365 restores Group Chat, Podcasts, or consumer-app Deep Research after retirement.
Do these changes affect work or school accounts?
The updated app supports personal and work or school accounts, but Microsoft says data remains separate between those account types. Organizational controls continue to apply when you use a work or school account. This transition should not be read as merging personal chat history with an employer’s or school’s data.
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Privacy scope also differs by product. Microsoft’s consumer privacy overview applies to personal Microsoft account use of the updated Copilot app on web, desktop, or mobile. It explicitly does not cover work, school, or organizational Microsoft Entra accounts, or Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps for home. See Microsoft Copilot for individuals: your data, privacy, and responsible AI for the consumer-app scope.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can you do in the Windows app?
Microsoft documents additional Windows app capabilities, including Copilot Vision, file search, screenshots, viewing web content, and Windows Settings support. These are app features; Microsoft’s guidance does not identify a new computer or accessory as a requirement. Details are in Access Microsoft Copilot on Windows. For general chat setup, Microsoft also provides Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat.
Quick Recap
What to save before the transition
- Copy any Group Chat messages you need and download images created in those chats before the account update.
- Open the podcast library and use its download option for each podcast you want to retain.
- Update the Copilot mobile app if prompted, then check that you are signed in to the intended personal or work/school account.
- After the update, review your chat history and account state; Microsoft says most content moves, but does not promise a universal rollout schedule or identical handling for every feature.
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