If you open Microsoft 365 Copilot in the coming weeks, you may notice something new: a model picker that lets you choose not just OpenAI’s GPT models, but also Anthropic’s Claude.
That might sound like a small update, but it isn’t.
From One AI to Many
Until recently, Copilot relied almost entirely on GPT models. Now Microsoft is integrating Claude across key tools like Researcher, Copilot Studio, and Copilot Cowork.
This changes the conversation. It’s no longer “Do you use AI?” It’s “Which AI model should you use for this task?”
What’s Actually Changed?
Microsoft can now route tasks to the best-performing model or let you choose the model yourself. In simple terms, different AIs are now used for different jobs.
1. Better Research with Two Models
Copilot’s Researcher tool now includes a feature called Critique. GPT creates the first draft, and Claude reviews it for accuracy, sources, and gaps.
Think of it simply: GPT writes, Claude checks.
The result is fewer errors, stronger sourcing, and better overall quality. Microsoft’s own testing shows a 13.8% improvement compared to single-model setups.
2. Smarter Work in Excel
Copilot in Excel is also evolving. Claude is now being used for more complex tasks like analysing structured data, connecting patterns across tables, and generating deeper insights.
It’s not always better than GPT, but for reasoning-heavy tasks it can make a noticeable difference. If you use Excel regularly, it’s worth testing both models where possible.
3. Copilot Cowork: The Big Shift
Copilot Cowork is an AI agent that can run multi-step tasks across your Microsoft tools.
For example, you can ask it to prepare for a client meeting, and it can pull notes from Outlook or Teams, create a PowerPoint presentation, build a summary in Excel, and suggest calendar slots, all from a single prompt.
Claude plays a key role here as the reasoning and orchestration layer behind the scenes.
What About Access?
To use Claude in Copilot, you need a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence, and your IT admin must enable Anthropic as a provider.
In some regions, such as the EU, UK, and government clouds, this is switched off by default due to data protection rules. If you don’t see it, that’s likely the reason.
Is It Actually Better?
The honest answer is that it depends on the task. However, for research and complex workflows, multi-model setups are already outperforming single-model systems.
My Take
This isn’t just a feature update. It’s a strategy shift.
Microsoft is no longer trying to win the AI race with one model. Instead, it’s combining OpenAI, Anthropic, and its own enterprise data layer into a single system.
The future of AI will not be one tool. It will be a network of models working together.
What You Should Do
Start thinking differently about how you use AI. Test different models for different tasks, don’t assume one tool fits all, and speak to your IT team about what’s enabled in your organisation.
Because the real skill now is not just using AI, but knowing which AI to use and when.
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Sources
1. Microsoft Community Hub — Available today: Anthropic Claude Opus 4.7 in Microsoft 365 Copilot (16 Apr 2026) — https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/available-today-anthropic-claude-opus-4-7-in-microsoft-365-copilot/4511666
2. Microsoft Community Hub — Introducing multi-model intelligence in Researcher — https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-multi-model-intelligence-in-researcher/4506011
3. Axios — Microsoft research tools use Anthropic and OpenAI models (31 Mar 2026) — https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/microsoft-critique-anthropic-openai
4. Microsoft Official Blog — Introducing the First Frontier Suite (9 Mar 2026) — https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2026/03/09/introducing-the-first-frontier-suite-built-on-intelligence-trust/
5. Microsoft Support — Use Claude with Researcher in Microsoft 365 Copilot — https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-claude-with-researcher-in-microsoft-365-copilot-23e2503b-d73e-4abb-902d-b9814205a38a
6. Microsoft Learn — Anthropic as a subprocessor for Microsoft Online Services — https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot/connect-to-ai-subprocessor
7. GeekWire — Microsoft’s new Copilot Cowork integrates Anthropic’s Claude (9 Mar 2026) — https://www.geekwire.com/2026/microsofts-new-copilot-cowork-integrates-anthropics-claude-in-rollout-of-new-e7-licensing-tier/
8. buckleyPLANET — 5 things you need to know about Copilot Cowork — https://buckleyplanet.com/2026/04/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-copilot-cowork/9. Office-Watch — Microsoft Copilot Researcher’s Critique and Council explained — https://office-watch.com/2026/microsoft-copilot-researcher-critique-council/
About the Podcast Host
AI and Communications Specialist | Author | Podcaster | International Speaker
Joanne Sweeney is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation, specialising in the practical application of AI to enhance communication strategies. The founder of Digital Training Institute, Joanne, empowers leaders and communications professionals to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring transparency, trust, and tangible results.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Programme in AI and Public Policy this summer before launching her fourth book AI Playbook, in September. Joanne has also published two editions of Public Sector Marketing Pro, which were preceded by her first title, Social Media Under Investigation Law Enforcement and the Social Web.
Her books have become go-to resources for governments, public sector and policing agencies, as well as marketing and communications professionals, all navigating the challenges of the changing Internet.
Joanne is the host of the AI SIX Podcast, a daily six-minute podcast that provides actionable insights, expert interviews, and practical advice to help professionals navigate the new world of work.
