Microsoft has added Anthropic AI models to its 365 Copilot suite. So it will give you more options along with OpenAI tech.
The update brings Claude Sonet 4 and opus 4.1 into Microsoft 365, Copilot starting with the researcher agent and Copilot Studio. It is said to give you more flexibility in how you use generative AI for workplace tasks.
In Researcher, a reasoning agent designed to handle multistep projects, users can now choose between OpenAI’s deep reasoning models and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1. Microsoft says the feature is meant to support tasks such as building go-to-market strategies, analyzing product trends, or generating detailed quarterly reports. The tool pulls from web data, trusted third-party sources, and company content, including emails, meetings, chats, and files, to deliver insights.
On the other hand, the Copilot Studio gets support for Anthropic models. Both Claude Sonnet 4 and Claude Opus 4.1 are now available for creating and customizing enterprise-grade agents. Businesses can build, orchestrate, and manage workflows using Anthropic’s models, or mix them with OpenAI and other providers available in the Azure Model Catalog. A simple drop-down menu in Studio allows you to switch between models without leaving the platform.
Claude in Researcher is rolling out today through Microsoft’s Frontier Program for 365 Copilot-licensed customers who opt in. Access in Copilot Studio is also available via opt-in. Plus, since Anthropic models are hosted outside Microsoft’s environment, they are subject to Anthropic’s terms of service. Admins can enable access through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Microsoft says this is only the start. The company plans to continue bringing more models into Copilot, with the goal of advancing workplace AI through choice and innovation.
