On October 9, 2026, Microsoft announced a staged update to Copilot Notebooks: Markdown, TXT, and RTF references and suggested Office files were generally available, while several editing and reporting tools were in Frontier and other functions were planned for the following weeks, according to Microsoft’s announcement.
Gathering references and assigning work
Microsoft said notebook creation from a user’s stated goal was expected in the weeks after October 9. Copilot would assemble relevant references from work data and the web. Microsoft also classified support for Markdown, TXT, and RTF references as generally available in its announcement.
A refreshed notebook experience that groups and reorders content and artifacts was in Frontier, Microsoft’s preview program. Microsoft also placed delegated work and model choice there: Copilot could manage references, synthesize notebook context, create or edit a single Office file from chat, and let users choose a model or response mode.
Recurring task automations were another planned feature. Microsoft said users would be able to start from templates, set a frequency and instructions, and monitor scheduled tasks; the company expected these automations in the weeks after the announcement.
Creating and editing Office files
Microsoft placed direct Word, Excel, and PowerPoint editing on the notebook canvas in Frontier. Users could work on files there and prompt Copilot to add content or change formatting.
Suggested Office artifacts were a separate feature: Microsoft described Copilot as recommending and generating Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files using Work IQ and notebook content, and classified that capability as generally available. That differs from editing a file directly on the canvas, which Microsoft placed in Frontier.
Reports, PDFs, and audio overviews
Interactive reports that users could live-edit, along with PDF creation from notebook content, were in Frontier in Microsoft’s October 9 rollout description. Updated audio overviews were expected in the following weeks. Microsoft said they would draw on additional source types, offer formats such as “Critique and Debate” and topic-based episodes, and allow audio files to be saved to OneDrive with inherited sensitivity labels.
What Microsoft says you need to create a notebook
Microsoft Support’s guide, updated in September 2026, says creating a notebook requires a Copilot or Copilot Chat license and a SharePoint or OneDrive service plan. The guide also lists Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Premium, and Pro subscribers as eligible. It predates the October feature announcement.
