Microsoft Teams Copilot removes default transcription

Starting mid-September 2025, Microsoft Teams Copilot will no longer default to transcription in newly scheduled meetings. This change - full details available here - shifts the default setting from 'EnabledWithTranscript' to 'Enabled', meaning transcription must now be manually activated by users during meetings.

For MSP, this is more than just a configuration tweak - it’s a moment to reassess customer needs, user expectations, and an opportunity to proactively manage policies to prevent unintended consequences.

What’s Changing?

• Copilot will run without transcription by default for new tenants and users.

• Existing users without a set policy will inherit the host’s configuration.

• Custom Teams meeting policies remain unchanged, but default behaviour shifts.

• Transcription must be manually enabled during meetings to retain post-meeting insights and access Copilot-generated content.

Full details available as part of Message Centre MC1139493.

Why MSPs Should Pay Attention

• User confusion & support load. Users accustomed to automatic transcription may be caught off guard. MSPs should expect a spike in support queries and proactively address the change through training and communication.

• Proactive policy management opportunity. In addition, this is a prime moment to review and optimise Teams meeting policies across multiple M365 tenants. MSPs can help customers enforce transcription defaults where needed and align settings with business requirements and user expectations.

What MSPs Can Do Now

• Audit Teams meeting policies for all managed tenants and identify where transcription should continue to be enabled by default.

• Educate clients and users on how to manually enable transcription in Meeting Options or during live sessions.

• Update onboarding and training materials to reflect the new default behaviour.

• Monitor usage and feedback to identify gaps in understanding or compliance exposure.

This change may seem minor, but for MSPs, it’s a chance to demonstrate proactive governance, continuously improve perceptions as a trusted advisor, and reinforce the value of managed M365 environments.