Microsoft adds connector to search on-premises SharePoint content in Copilot
Microsoft has launched a connector that indexes content from on-premises SharePoint Server sites into Copilot for Microsoft 365. The tool respects existing permissions, so users only see what they are allowed to access. It deploys through the Microsoft 365 admin center using a Graph agent. The connector supports NTLM and OIDC authentication, though NTLM is the only option currently. Administrators can exclude sites at the site level. Limits include a maximum of three connections per agent and 128 properties per item. This update, documented on April 28 2026, helps hybrid environments without requiring data migration to the cloud.
Before, on-premises SharePoint Server content sat isolated from cloud tools like Copilot. Admins faced constant support tickets for files lost in legacy sites, often leading to risky workarounds like external sharing or duplicate Teams setups. Permissions were hard to extend across environments without full migrations. Now, this connector pulls that content into Copilot searches securely, without exposing it online. It cuts sprawl by making old sites discoverable again, reducing the need for new team sites or file hunts. Hybrid admins gain a quick win on visibility that aligns permissions automatically, easing compliance audits.
Analysis
If your tenancy has any lingering SharePoint Server sites feeding Teams sprawl and file complaints, this connector is your low-risk cleanup tool - no migration, just indexed search. Skip it if you're cloud-only; otherwise, open the M365 admin center today, deploy the Graph agent, and index your top three legacy sites to test the ticket drop.
Citation
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