Users who rely on Copilot in Outlook often switch between Outlook on the Web and the new Outlook for Windows app. They notice that some Copilot features appear in one version but not the other. This gap causes confusion about which commands are available in each client. This article provides a direct feature-by-feature comparison of Copilot in Outlook on the Web versus the new Outlook. You will learn exactly which capabilities are present in each version and where the gaps exist.
Key Takeaways: Copilot Feature Availability in Outlook on the Web vs New Outlook
- Copilot pane > Draft with Copilot: Available in both clients for new email composition.
- Copilot pane > Summarize thread: Available in both clients but with different trigger methods.
- Copilot pane > Coaching by Copilot: Only available in new Outlook, not in Outlook on the Web.
- Copilot pane > Meeting recap in calendar: Only available in new Outlook, not in Outlook on the Web.
What Copilot Does in Outlook and Why the Gap Exists
Copilot in Outlook helps users draft emails, summarize long threads, prepare replies, and review writing tone. These features rely on the Microsoft Graph API and the Copilot service backend. The difference in feature availability comes from the underlying application architecture.
Outlook on the Web runs as a browser-based single-page application. The new Outlook for Windows is a native app built on the same web platform but with additional integration points for Windows shell features. Some Copilot capabilities require local system APIs for real-time audio processing or calendar widget access. These dependencies exist only in the native new Outlook app.
Microsoft releases Copilot features incrementally. The new Outlook often receives new Copilot functions first because the team can deploy updates directly through the Microsoft Store. Outlook on the Web updates roll out through the cloud service, which can take several weeks longer. This staggered rollout creates the feature gap that users experience today.
Prerequisites for Copilot in Outlook
Before comparing features, confirm your environment meets these requirements:
- A Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, or Business Premium license with the Copilot for Microsoft 365 add-on.
- An active Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription assigned to your user account.
- Outlook on the Web accessed through a supported browser Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- New Outlook for Windows version 1.2024.xxx or later installed from the Microsoft Store.
- Network access to the Copilot service endpoints at outlook.office.com and copilot.microsoft.com.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison: Copilot in Outlook on the Web vs New Outlook
The following table lists every Copilot feature currently available in Outlook on the Web and the new Outlook for Windows app. The table reflects the feature set as of October 2024.
| Feature | Outlook on the Web | New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Draft with Copilot in new email | Yes | Yes |
| Draft with Copilot in reply | Yes | Yes |
| Summarize email thread | Yes | Yes |
| Coaching by Copilot | No | Yes |
| Meeting recap in calendar | No | Yes |
| Copilot in search | Yes | Yes |
| Copilot suggestions in Quick Reply | No | Yes |
| Copilot in calendar event creation | Yes | Yes |
| Copilot in meeting notes | No | Yes |
Detailed Feature Descriptions and Where to Find Them
Draft with Copilot
In both versions, open a new email or reply. Click the Copilot icon in the toolbar. Select Draft with Copilot. A prompt box appears where you type instructions like “Draft a follow-up email about the Q3 budget meeting.” Copilot generates a draft you can insert or refine. The feature works identically in both clients.
Summarize Email Thread
In Outlook on the Web, open a conversation with more than two messages. Click the Copilot icon in the reading pane header. Select Summarize thread. In new Outlook, open the same thread. Click the Copilot icon in the ribbon or the reading pane. Select Summarize thread. Both versions produce a bulleted summary of the key points.
Coaching by Copilot
This feature is only available in the new Outlook for Windows app. After drafting an email, click the Copilot icon in the toolbar. Select Coaching by Copilot. The service analyzes your draft for tone, clarity, and sentiment. It provides suggestions like “Your tone sounds more formal than intended” or “Consider adding a call to action.” Outlook on the Web does not show this option.
Meeting Recap in Calendar
Only the new Outlook app supports this feature. Open a past meeting from your calendar. Click the Copilot icon in the meeting details pane. Select Recap meeting. Copilot generates a summary of the meeting transcript, including action items and decisions. Outlook on the Web does not display the Recap button in calendar items.
Copilot in Search
Both versions support natural language search through Copilot. Click the search bar at the top of Outlook. Type a query like “Find the email from Lisa about the server migration.” Copilot interprets the request and returns relevant results. The search experience is identical in both clients.
Copilot Suggestions in Quick Reply
The new Outlook app shows suggested replies powered by Copilot when you open a message in the reading pane. These suggestions appear as clickable buttons below the message body. Outlook on the Web does not display these suggestions. Users on the web must manually open a reply and use the Draft with Copilot command.
Copilot in Calendar Event Creation
In both versions, create a new calendar event. Click the Copilot icon in the event form. Select Draft description. Type instructions like “Write an agenda for the monthly review meeting.” Copilot generates a description you can insert. The feature behaves the same way in both clients.
Copilot in Meeting Notes
Only the new Outlook app provides Copilot integration in meeting notes. Open a meeting invitation. Click the Meeting notes button. Copilot appears as an option to generate notes based on the meeting agenda and attendee list. Outlook on the Web does not include this integration.
Common Misconceptions and Limitations
“Copilot in Outlook on the Web is missing features because my browser is outdated.”
Browser version does not affect feature availability. The missing features like Coaching and Meeting Recap are not rendered client-side. They require backend service endpoints that are not enabled for the web application. Updating your browser will not add these features.
“I can use Copilot in the classic Outlook for Windows.”
This article compares Outlook on the Web and the new Outlook for Windows app only. The classic Outlook for Windows has a separate Copilot implementation with a different feature set. Classic Outlook is not covered in this reference.
“All Copilot features will eventually appear in Outlook on the Web.”
Microsoft has not confirmed a timeline for bringing Coaching or Meeting Recap to Outlook on the Web. Some features may remain exclusive to the new Outlook app due to native API dependencies. Check the Microsoft 365 roadmap for official announcements.
Copilot in Outlook on the Web vs New Outlook: Key Differences
| Item | Outlook on the Web | New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Platform type | Browser-based web app | Native Windows app |
| Coaching by Copilot | Not available | Available |
| Meeting recap in calendar | Not available | Available |
| Copilot suggestions in Quick Reply | Not available | Available |
| Copilot in meeting notes | Not available | Available |
| Update frequency | Cloud release every 2-4 weeks | Microsoft Store update as needed |
Now you know exactly which Copilot features work in each Outlook client. Use the new Outlook app when you need Coaching, Meeting Recap, or Quick Reply suggestions. Stick with Outlook on the Web if you prefer a browser-based workflow and do not need those three features. For the most current list, open the Copilot pane in each client and compare the available commands. The gap will narrow over time as Microsoft continues to update both platforms.