Microsoft removes AI theme feature from Outlook

Microsoft is removing the Themes by Copilot feature from Outlook, a tool that used artificial intelligence to generate visual themes for the email interface. This change is set to take effect within the last fifteen days of October 2026.

Feature reserved for Copilot subscribers

The Themes by Copilot feature was previously available only to users with an active Copilot subscription. It allowed users to request an AI-generated visual theme for their Outlook interface through the settings menu.

AI-generated theme remains but feature disappears

Although the AI-generated theme will stay on users’ interfaces, they will no longer be able to access the Themes by Copilot option. The feature will be removed from the settings menu, and users cannot return to it once it is gone.

Removal affects multiple platforms

The removal applies to the new Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and the Android and iOS mobile apps. However, users will not lose their current theme immediately after the change is implemented.

Current theme remains unchanged

If a user has already applied a theme, it will stay in place until they manually change it. If the theme was set to automatically renew, it will continue to display but will no longer change over time.

Microsoft does not explain the decision

Microsoft has not provided a public explanation for removing the feature. According to reports, the option was not widely used, suggesting it may not have been a priority for most users.

Copilot remains in Outlook

Despite the removal of the Themes by Copilot feature, Copilot is still present in Outlook through a button on the toolbar at the top of the window. It supports functions like composing emails, searching, and a complete chat interface on the left side of the new Outlook.

Simplified interface in the works

Microsoft has announced plans to simplify Outlook’s interface, focusing more on chat features. Some elements, like the floating button, have already been removed due to user feedback. The ribbon button and draft rewriting feature can also be disabled by users.