Microsoft Copilot: UBB models in Chat and Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via the model selector

Usage-based billing (UBB) models, including GPT-6 Astra and Claude Fable 5.1, will be available in Microsoft Copilot Chat and Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint starting November 2026. Access requires enabling UBB, assigning credits, and a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Admins manage billing and credit allocation. As previously announced in MC1479276, we are rolling out usage-based billing (UBB) models to provide users access to advanced AI in Copilot. These models will be available from Chat in the Microsoft Copilot app and when using Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users will not have access to UBB models unless UBB is enabled. We plan to rollout the ability for users to request credits from their tenant admins after this initial rollout. GPT-6 Astra and Claude Fable 5.1 will be generally available as UBB models with this rollout. Previously communicated eligibility requirements for these models apply. Rollout schedule General Availability (Worldwide): Beginning in early November 2026 and expected to complete by mid-November 2026 Impact on your organization Who is affected Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot user subscription license (USL) with UBB enabled Tenant admins responsible for enabling usage-based billing and allocating credits Platforms and services Microsoft Copilot Copilot Chat Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Agent 365 cost management (Microsoft 365 admin center) What will happen After rollout, users will be able to access UBB models in the Chat model selector in the Copilot app and when using Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint if UBB is enabled. After the initial rollout, we plan to roll out the ability for users to request additional credits from their tenant admin. Users will not have access to UBB models unless UBB is enabled. Action required and recommendations To provide users with access to UBB models: Verify that users have a Microsoft 365 Copilot user subscription license (USL). Enable UBB for users who should have access to the models. Allocate credits to users who should have access to the models. Review your organization’s governance requirements, usage expectations, and anticipated credit consumption before allocating credits. Communicate your organization’s process for requesting additional credits when allocated […]

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