Why in the world would you break the M365 copilot apps interaction?

Question

This is on mobile.

In order to use PDF tools like merge, I have to upload to onedrive? This is the worst decision I have seen yet. I have always been able to use the app with local files.

Please provide an explaination.

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your question. I get why that feels like a step backward, especially if your workflow has always been quick, local edits on your phone without pushing anything to the cloud.

Microsoft has consolidated PDF actions so they run against files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, which is why the mobile experience now asks you to upload or pick files from cloud storage before merging; the current Microsoft Learn guidance specifically describes Merge as creating the new PDF in OneDrive or SharePoint rather than on local storage. Practically, that design enables autosave, cross‑device access, and sharing, but it also means local‑only scenarios feel constrained. If you want to keep using Microsoft’s built‑in tools, the reliable path today is to place the PDFs in OneDrive first, then run Merge from the Microsoft 365 app or OneDrive, and the combined file will be saved back to your OneDrive location.

For your immediate task, are these PDFs sensitive or large, or is the main blocker simply that you prefer not to upload anything to OneDrive? That will help me suggest the best workaround either a temporary on‑device tool or a privacy‑conscious OneDrive flow with offline cleanup.

If you’d like, I can also draft a concise product‑feedback note you can send from the app’s “Send feedback” option and share step‑by‑step taps for a minimal‑footprint OneDrive workflow on Android or iOS; tell me which device you’re on and I’ll tailor it.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Best Regards,

Noel

Answer 2

Noel's answer probably coverrs my usage most directly,

I do want quick access without the extra step. autosave shouldn't be an issue as the files are local and the app USED to allow you to select the folder for merged or other output. There isn't any reason why if I select Onedrive as the location for merged files that autosave cannot be implemented. Perhaps there were issues that arose? I do recall having to revert and hold back a onedrive update but I don't recall the issue, so not much help there.
Additionally I don't see why autosave couldn't default or IN ADDITION TO file these on onedrive, we certainly have plenty of precedent regarding OneDrive saving what wasn't directly requested to be saved.

My issue is it makes a quite useful feature go away. It may acutally be LESS clicks to get to access and the cross device landing is not lost on me. I think ultimately most folks are just going to presume it is broken and look for something else or just be mad. This isn't good for product experience.

I liked having the tools, not just PDF tools, in the place where I expected them. I also liked lens, so I guess maybe my opinion isn't terribly valuable.

Thanks for trying

Answer 3

PDF editing has always been basic in Word and the other Microsoft Office apps.

Since you are using a mobile device, which operating system do you have? Maybe there is a separate app which you can use instead.

Answer 4

The current functionality of the Microsoft 365 Copilot apps requires users to upload files to OneDrive in order to utilize certain PDF tools, such as merging PDFs. This change may be seen as a limitation for users who prefer working with local files directly. The integration with OneDrive is likely aimed at enhancing collaboration and file management within the Microsoft ecosystem, allowing users to access their documents from multiple devices and share them more easily.

While this may not align with everyone's workflow preferences, it is part of the broader strategy to streamline user experience across Microsoft 365 applications by centralizing file storage and access.

If you have feedback regarding this change, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or forums where user experiences and suggestions can be shared directly with the development teams.