When Microsoft 365 Copilot rolled out, one of its most useful features was the email summary button that appears at the top of a message. In Classic Outlook, this button is clearly labeled “Summary by Copilot” and sits in the ribbon. In New Outlook for Windows, the button is harder to find because the interface was redesigned. This article explains exactly where the Copilot email summary button is located in each version, why the placement differs, and how to access it quickly in both. You will also learn what to do if the button is missing entirely.
Key Takeaways: Where Copilot Email Summary Buttons Live
- Classic Outlook — Home tab > Summary by Copilot: The button is in the ribbon under the Home tab, visible when a message is selected or open.
- New Outlook — Message header (three dots) > Summary by Copilot: The button is inside the overflow menu of the reading pane or open message header.
- Keyboard shortcut — Alt + W, then S: Works in both versions to trigger the summary without using the mouse.
Why the Button Location Differs Between Outlook Versions
Classic Outlook uses a traditional ribbon with fixed tabs and buttons. Microsoft added the “Summary by Copilot” button directly on the Home tab for quick access. The button appears when you select a message in the list or open it in a separate window.
New Outlook for Windows uses a simplified, web-based interface. The ribbon is replaced by a single toolbar with fewer visible buttons. To keep the interface clean, Copilot features are placed inside the overflow menu — the three dots (ellipsis) that appear in the message header. This design choice reduces visual clutter but makes the button less discoverable.
Both versions require an active Microsoft 365 Copilot license. The feature is not available in free or basic subscription tiers. If you do not see the button in either version, the most common cause is a missing or expired Copilot license.
Where to Find the Copilot Email Summary Button in Each Version
Classic Outlook: Home Tab Ribbon
- Open or select a message
Single-click a message in the inbox list to preview it in the reading pane, or double-click to open it in a new window. - Click the Home tab
If the message is open in a separate window, the Home tab is still active in the ribbon. - Click the Summary by Copilot button
It appears in the Copilot group on the far right of the Home tab. The button is labeled with a sparkle icon and the text “Summary by Copilot”.
If the button is grayed out, the message may be too short for a summary, or your Copilot license may not be active.
New Outlook: Message Header Overflow Menu
- Open or select a message
Click a message in the inbox to view it in the reading pane, or double-click to open it in a separate window. - Click the three dots (ellipsis) in the message header
In the reading pane, the three dots are located at the top-right of the message header, next to the reply and forward buttons. In a separate window, they are in the same position. - Select Summary by Copilot from the dropdown menu
The menu contains options like “Reply all”, “Forward”, and “Print”. “Summary by Copilot” appears near the top of the list.
In New Outlook, the button is not available in the simplified ribbon. You must use the header menu every time.
If the Copilot Email Summary Button Is Missing
Copilot License Is Not Active or Expired
The most common reason the button is missing is that the user does not have a Copilot license. In Classic Outlook, the entire Copilot group may be absent from the Home tab. In New Outlook, the “Summary by Copilot” option will not appear in the header menu. To verify your license, open any Microsoft 365 app and click File > Account. Under “Subscription”, check that “Microsoft 365 Copilot” is listed. If it is not, contact your IT administrator or purchase a Copilot license.
Outlook Version Is Outdated
Copilot features require Outlook version 2402 or later for Classic Outlook and version 1.2024.xxxxx or later for New Outlook. To check your version in Classic Outlook, go to File > Office Account > About Outlook. In New Outlook, click the gear icon (Settings) > General > About Outlook. If your version is older, run Microsoft 365 updates: File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Message Is Too Short or Is a Draft
Copilot will not generate a summary for messages shorter than about 50 words. It also does not work on draft messages that have not been sent. Try the feature on a longer received email to confirm it works.
Copilot Is Disabled by Group Policy
In enterprise environments, administrators can disable Copilot features via group policy or cloud policy. If the button is missing for all messages and your license is active, contact your IT department. They can check the policy setting “Turn off Copilot in Outlook” under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Miscellaneous.
Classic Outlook vs New Outlook: Copilot Email Summary Comparison
| Item | Classic Outlook | New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Button location | Home tab ribbon, Copilot group | Message header three-dot menu |
| Button visibility | Always visible when a message is selected | Hidden inside overflow menu |
| Keyboard shortcut | Alt + W, then S | Alt + W, then S |
| License requirement | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Minimum version | Version 2402 | Version 1.2024.xxxxx |
| Works on drafts | No | No |
| Works on short messages | No (under ~50 words) | No (under ~50 words) |
You can now find and use the Copilot email summary button in both Classic and New Outlook. In Classic Outlook, the button is on the Home tab ribbon. In New Outlook, it is inside the three-dot menu in the message header. If the button is missing, check your Copilot license, update Outlook, or verify that the message is long enough. For repeated use, the keyboard shortcut Alt + W then S works in both versions and saves time.