Microsoft Introduces Enhanced File Viewer, Copilot Support and More Features in Microsoft 365

by | Mar 22, 2024


In today’s digital landscape, effective collaboration and seamless access to information are paramount for productivity and innovation. Recognizing this need, Microsoft 365 continually evolves to offer users cutting-edge tools and features. In the latest update, Microsoft is thrilled to introduce enhanced capabilities for the File Viewer, empowering users to interact with a diverse range of file types seamlessly. Let’s delve into these exciting new features and explore how they can elevate your Microsoft 365 experience.

Microsoft 365’s File Viewer got upgraded! Now, it supports more file types, making it easier to view documents, spreadsheets, and media files. You’ll enjoy a better viewing experience with high-quality rendering and interactive features. Plus, you can collaborate in real-time with colleagues directly within the Viewer, and seamlessly share files in Microsoft Teams. Your files are also secure with encryption and compliance features. This upgrade empowers users to work smarter and achieve better results.

One of the key highlights of the enhanced File Viewer in Microsoft 365 is its expanded support for a wide variety of file formats. Whether you’re working with documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or media files, the File Viewer now offers comprehensive compatibility, ensuring that you can seamlessly view and interact with virtually any type of content.

From a recent blogspot from Microsoft

Today we’re happy to introduce performance, collaboration and interactivity upgrades to the file viewer in Microsoft 365. The file viewer in Microsoft 365 opens by default when you access non-Office files from OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams. It’s especially handy for previewing files without having to download them and for viewing files without needing the specific app for that file type installed on your device. Whether it’s a PDF, a video, a CAD drawing, or a Photoshop file, you can easily open it with the file viewer and see a high-fidelity rendering of its contents. File viewer supports over 300 file types and also allows for some basic image editing and file annotation. Let’s take a look at what’s new in file viewer.


  • 2 times more quickly than the previous version
  • Copilot right in file viewer to get file summaries, answer questions about file content, and extract information This seamless integration of Copilot enhances your file experience and helps you get the most out of your files.
  • See a list of people who have access to the file by tapping the people images.
  • Add the file to your favorites list by tapping the star icon.
  • The “Open in App” feature which is now accessible in file viewer.
  • Remove pages from PDFs and merge multiple PDFs into one.
  • Mark up and draw on a number of file types such as .ai, .dwg, .epub, .pdf, .rtf, and .tiff. Once done you can hide or display the annotations by selecting the annotations icon.
  • Securely request electronic signatures directly in file viewer.

Users can now enjoy a richer viewing experience with the enhanced File Viewer, which offers high-fidelity rendering of complex documents and interactive previews of multimedia content. Whether you’re reviewing a detailed CAD drawing, exploring a 3D model, or annotating a PDF file, the File Viewer provides intuitive tools and controls for easy interaction.

Collaboration is made easier with the real-time co-authoring capabilities of the enhanced File Viewer. Multiple users can simultaneously view and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly within the Viewer, fostering collaboration and ensuring that everyone stays on the same page.

Integration with Microsoft Teams further enhances collaboration by allowing users to access and share files directly within their team channels. Whether you’re sharing project updates, conducting virtual meetings, or hosting presentations, the seamless integration between File Viewer and Teams streamlines communication and enhances productivity.

Security is a top priority, and the enhanced File Viewer includes robust security features such as built-in encryption, access controls, and compliance capabilities. Organizations can ensure that their data remains protected at all times, whether it’s stored in the cloud or shared with external collaborators.

Our takeaway from the upgraded File Viewer in Microsoft 365, it represents a significant advancement in empowering users to work more efficiently and collaboratively. With expanded file format support, a richer viewing experience, real-time collaboration capabilities, seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, and enhanced security features, the File Viewer offers a comprehensive solution for accessing, sharing, and collaborating on a diverse range of content, ultimately driving innovation and productivity forward.