The Microsoft 365 Developer Program has always been a trusted hub for developers creating solutions on the Microsoft 365 platform. Today, we’re excited to announce updates that simplify onboarding, enhance environments for Copilot development, and accelerate your build process.
Smarter subscription and tenant management
- Faster, automated onboarding for eligible ISV & MAICPP partners. Eligible members can now request a developer sandbox directly from the Microsoft 365 Developer Program portal using your corporate email. Just look for Set up E5 subscription on your dashboard—no manual steps required. Getting started is quicker and simpler than ever.
- Copilot-ready environments with license flexibility. New Developer Program members will receive sandboxes that support add-on license purchases, including Microsoft 365 Copilot. This rollout begins at Microsoft Ignite 2025 (November 18–21). With these sandboxes, you can experiment, build, and test Copilot extensions in a production-like setup. Configure your tenant, connect data sources, and bring your Copilot scenarios to life—all within the Developer Program environment. After the initial rollout, existing members will also gain access to commercially enabled sandboxes.
Coming soon: even more enhancements!
- Link your Visual Studio subscription with ease: You asked, and we listened. Soon, you’ll be able to link a new Visual Studio subscription to your existing Developer Program tenant through a simple self-service experience. This is especially helpful if your previous subscription has expired—keeping your sandbox active and your environment uninterrupted.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Starter Pack: We’re also excited to announce a new Starter Pack, designed to help you build your first Microsoft 365 Copilot extension, in matter of minutes. The starter pack automatically installs all the prerequisites needed for Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility development, giving you a ready-to-use environment and saving valuable setup time.
What’s next?
Thank you for being part of our journey! Your feedback helps us make the Microsoft 365 Developer Program even better. We’re just getting started, and your insights ensure we invest where it matters most. Have ideas or questions? Share them in the comments below and we’re listening and ready to respond.
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