Microsoft is rolling out a significant visual redesign for Copilot, stripping away much of the AI assistant's colorful personality in favor of a more subdued, text-forward interface. The changes target the Microsoft 365 version of Copilot, affecting how users interact with the assistant across Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

The most noticeable shift is Copilot's move to a largely black and white aesthetic, though the assistant can still generate full-color outputs and reference other apps via their colorful icons. This redesign stems from Microsoft's goal to make the interface more readable and responsive while crafting AI that feels present but not imposing.

A new dynamic prompt surface adapts as users type, expanding to reveal menu options for research or visualization features. Side panels and menus collapse when not in use, and the AI now appears in a consistent side pane location across all Microsoft 365 applications. These interface tweaks mirror Microsoft's broader reconsideration of AI integration throughout Windows and its app ecosystem.

The redesign currently applies only to Microsoft's productivity software. The consumer-friendly Copilot from 2024, which lives in Microsoft's mobile app, retains its bright, colorful appearance. This visual overhaul coincides with Microsoft's evolving AI strategy, including the rollout of in-house AI models and a redefined partnership with OpenAI.