Note: Microsoft updates the Microsoft 365 homepage and apps on a rolling basis, so the layout you see may change without advance notice to individual users.
Microsoft 365 homepage changes
Microsoft delivers new features, design updates, and fixes continuously. As a result, your Microsoft 365 homepage when you sign in may occasionally change. This is due to two:
- Ongoing product updates. Microsoft frequently redesigns the homepage, renames apps, and rearranges menus. For example, the Microsoft 365 app (formerly the Office app) was renamed the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. As part of that update, the top header was removed, a search box was added to the homepage, and the apps in the left toolbar were realigned.
- Staged, gradual rollouts. Microsoft releases most changes to a small percentage of users first and then expands to everyone over days or weeks. Because of this, you and a colleague may see different homepages temporarily even with the same license.
Please Note: Because changes roll out gradually and are not always announced to IT administrators, you may see changes appear without any official communication. Seeing a new layout does not mean something is wrong with your account.
Changes you might notice
Recent and ongoing changes that have affected UO users include the following:
- A renamed and restyled homepage under the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, with a new name, icon, and web address.
- A more prominent Copilot Chat experience on the homepage and in the navigation.
- Changes to where Copilot Chat appears inside the individual apps. Beginning April 15, 2026, Microsoft removed Copilot Chat from the ribbon in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for users on the no-cost Copilot Chat experience. This change does not affect users who have a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
- Periodic redesigns of the app launcher, search bar, and left navigation.
Note: If a homepage change makes it harder to reach the apps you use most, you can pin your frequently used apps.
To pin a frequently used app, sign in to Microsoft 365, open the Apps area, and select the pin icon next to each app you want to keep in view. You can also bookmark the Apps page directly, so it opens as your starting point.
Resources to stay informed
Below are additional resources from Microsoft that cover changes made to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Need help?
If you have questions about a Microsoft 365 change or need assistance with your UO account, see Microsoft Office 365 Support Request.