Claude in Microsoft 365 Copilot: Expanding AI Model Options for Work

In September 2025, Microsoft announced that Claude in Microsoft 365 Copilot is now available, adding a new level of flexibility for businesses and professionals. Microsoft 365 Copilot has traditionally relied primarily on OpenAI models, but with the addition of Anthropic’s Claude, users now have the option to select the right large language models (LLMs) directly within their productivity suite. This move signals a significant shift towards multi-model AI environments, where businesses can leverage the strengths of each model as needed. 

What is Claude in Microsoft 365 Copilot? 

Claude is an advanced language model from Anthropic designed with security, reliability, and user-friendliness in mind. When integrated with Microsoft 365 Copilot, users can: 

• Switch between models: Choose which tasks are best suited for OpenAI's GPT model or which tasks are best suited for Anthropic's Claude 
• More flexibility: Use Claude in tasks that require natural conversation and in-depth reasoning. 
• Improved performance: Each model has its own strengths. For example, Claude is known for his structured reasoning, sensitivity to constraints, and conversational fluency. 

This integration is powered by Microsoft's AI Orchestration Layer, which allows for seamless switching between models without breaking the user experience. 

Claude's key benefits in Copilot 

Claude's use case in Copilot 

• Drafting and Editing Content 
  Claude's fluency in language makes him ideal for creating natural-sounding drafts in Word or Outlook. 
• Strict regulatory and policy work 
  Teams in high-requirement industries can use Claude to reduce the risk of suboptimal outcomes. 
• Knowledge Management 
  In SharePoint or Teams, Claude can help you structure and accurately summarize large volumes of documents. 
• Situations requiring complex reasoning 
  When analyzing data or providing advice, Claude can effectively complement Copilot's abilities. 

How to access Claude in Copilot 

• Available for Microsoft 365 Enterprise customers using the version of Copilot with additional model options. 
• Users can access Claude from their existing Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint) without having to learn a new interface. 
• Model selection can be set in Copilot settings or let Microsoft's AI system handle it intelligently. 

Why is this important? 

The addition of Claude to Copilot demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to giving users more control and flexibility. Instead of being limited by a single provider, organizations can leverage the strengths of different providers: 

• OpenAI GPT: Best for creativity, general knowledge, and dynamic creation 
• Anthropic Claude: Ideal for security, structured reasoning, and policy compliance 

This multi-model approach is likely to become the new standard in enterprise AI platforms to improve productivity, security, and cost. 

Summary 

With the launch of Claude in Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft is elevating what productivity AI means in the workplace. By providing model choices, organizations can tailor how AI supports their employees, driving better outcomes across tasks and industries. This is a strategic step toward a future where AI is not just a tool, but a truly customized partner for each business’s unique needs.