Copilot buttons are missing in classic Outlook for Windows

What changed

Copilot Chat Basic and Microsoft 365 Copilot Premium users could lose the navigation and ribbon entry points when required account information could not be read from their Outlook profile.

Technical details

• Microsoft status: Fixed as of 15 October 2026.
• Microsoft attributes this issue to account information retrieval from the Outlook profile; the article does not name a fixed build.

Why it matters

A missing button can interrupt licensed Copilot use and be mistaken for a license failure; profile retrieval and application settings must be checked separately.

Known limitations

• Licensing, update channel, privacy settings and application configuration can independently hide Copilot.
• Show Apps in Outlook is a separate setting and should be enabled.

Now check

• Check classic Outlook build and reproduce with the affected licensed profile.
• Retest the entry points after receiving available Office updates; follow the Microsoft Copilot troubleshooters if they remain missing.
• Use new Outlook or Outlook on the web, or test a new Outlook profile as the documented workaround.
• Verify File > Options > Advanced > Outlook panes > Show Apps in Outlook.