The AI-powered capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot are expanding across government environments. Whether you’re in GCC, GCC High, or DoD, here’s what you need to know about upcoming availability, what’s changing, and how to prepare.
GCC: New Capabilities Coming March 31
Starting March 31, 2025, additional Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities will begin rolling out for GCC, bringing AI-powered features to additional Microsoft 365 applications. Deployment is expected to continue into early April.
What’s Coming to GCC?
Organizations using Microsoft 365 in GCC can expect Copilot in:
- Copilot Pages– Intelligent drafting and structuring for shared workspaces
- OneNote – Smarter organization and content generation tools
- SharePoint – AI-supported collaboration and content creation
- Stream – AI-powered insights for navigating and summarizing video content
These additions build on existing Microsoft 365 Copilot functionality already available in GCC, integrating AI-powered assistance into even more workflows.
For detailed information on the upcoming features and their rollout schedule, visit the the Service Description article and Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 483357.
What to Know About Security and Admin Controls
- Web Grounding Policy – Web grounding settings will follow the configuration set by IT administrators. Web grounding remains off by default in Government cloud environments. However, if an admin has previously enabled web grounding, all newly released Copilot apps—such as Copilot Pages, OneNote, SharePoint, and Stream—will adhere to that setting.
- Admin Control – Controls are available today in the Microsoft 365 admin center that IT administrators can use to enable or disable web grounding for Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences.
- Microsoft Purview data security and compliance protection – Admins in customers’ organizations can use Microsoft Purview to mitigate and manage the risks associated with AI usage and implement corresponding protection and governance controls. You can learn more about the key controls here: Microsoft Purview data security and compliance protections for Microsoft 365 Copilot and other generative AI apps.
These new capabilities will not change your current settings. However, this release provides an opportunity for organizations to review current settings and ensure they align with internal security and compliance needs.
How to Prepare for Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Review Admin Settings – Ensure configurations align with organizational policies and requirements.
- Communicate with Users – Consider how Copilot fits into workflows and provide guidance on responsible use.
- Stay Connected – Join discussions and stay informed through the Microsoft Public Sector Tech Community.
GCC High: General Availability Targeted for Late 2025
For organizations in GCC High, Microsoft 365 Copilot remains in development to meet security and compliance requirements. We are planning on a general availability (GA) release this calendar year. Additional updates will be shared as progress continues.
DoD: Expected Availability in Summer 2025
For DoD environments, Microsoft 365 Copilot is expected to become available no earlier than summer 2025. Work is ongoing to ensure the offering meets the necessary security and compliance standards.
Where to Find Updates
For the latest details on Microsoft 365 Copilot for government environments, visit:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Overview
- Microsoft 365 Copilot for Government (GCC)
- Using Copilot in Government
- Microsoft 365 Roadmap
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Data, Privacy, and Security in Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Service Description
The rollout timeline, feature availability, and functionality of Microsoft 365 Copilot for Government cloud environments are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, including release status and any modifications to the deployment schedule, refer to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap. Organizations should monitor the roadmap for official updates and announcements.
Stay Connected
Join the conversation in the Microsoft Public Sector Tech Community to ask questions, share insights, and stay informed about the latest updates.
About the Author
Jeremy Carlson
Director of Product Marketing, Microsoft 365 Portfolio Growth | Microsoft
Jeremy Carlson is the Director of Product Marketing for Microsoft 365 Portfolio Growth, where he leads strategy and execution to drive adoption and engagement across Microsoft 365’s suite of productivity and collaboration tools. With deep experience spanning product marketing, go-to-market strategy, and customer lifecycle engagement, Jeremy focuses on delivering clarity, connection, and value across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Microsoft