Action may be required: Claude models in Microsoft Copilot will be enabled by default in the UK

[What and why:]

To expand model choice in Copilot, Microsoft will make Claude models from Anthropic available by default for tenants in the United Kingdom (UK) on December 9, 2026, in line with other regions. Claude models are currently disabled by default in the UK. This change applies to tenants that haven't made a selection for Anthropic under AI providers operating as Microsoft subprocessors in the Microsoft 365 admin center. 

We’re also simplifying the controls we provide admins by retiring the option to allow Claude models only in Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps. Tenants using this option will move to All users on December 9. Other selections you've already made will be respected. If you don't want Claude models enabled by default, an admin can opt out before December 9, 2026. After December 9, admins can also disable the use of Claude models at any time.

Claude models in Copilot are covered by Microsoft's enterprise data protection, and the Microsoft Product Terms and Data Protection Addendum apply, except as otherwise disclosed in Microsoft Learn documentation.

[Rollout schedule:]

• December 9, 2026: Microsoft enables Claude models for tenants that haven't made a selection, and the option to allow them only in Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps will be retired. Admins can disable Claude models or limit access at any time.

[Impact on your organization:]

Who is affected:

• Admins of tenants in the UK who manage access to AI models in Microsoft Copilot.
• Users in these tenants who will have access to Claude models across Microsoft Copilot experiences and in Microsoft Copilot Studio.

What will happen:

• If you haven't made a selection: Claude models will be enabled for all users on December 9, 2026.
• If you've already enabled Claude models: Your user and group assignments don't change.
• If you've allowed Claude models only in Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps: On December 9, 2026, this option will be retired and your selection will move to All users. To turn Claude models off or limit access instead, select No users or Specific users and groups before that date.
• If you've disabled Claude models: Your selection will be respected. 
• Tenants in the UK aren't in scope for the EU Data Boundary. Processing locations for Claude models are disclosed in the Microsoft Online Services Subprocessors List.
• Anthropic models with Data Retention are governed by a separate setting and aren’t part of this change.

[Action required / Recommendations:]

• No action is required if you haven't made a selection and want Claude models enabled for all users on December 9, 2026.
• To opt out or limit access: Before December 9, 2026, go to the Microsoft 365 admin center > Copilot > Settings > View all > AI providers operating as Microsoft subprocessors > Anthropic. Select No users to opt out, or Specific users and groups to limit access to the people you choose. Then select Save.
• You need the AI Administrator or Global Administrator role to change this setting.
• Let your helpdesk and compliance teams know about this change.

[Compliance considerations:]

[Learn more:]

• Claude models from Anthropic in Microsoft Online Services 
• Understanding AI functionality and models in Microsoft Online Services 
• EU Data Boundary 
• Overview of AI subprocessors