The need for more flexible, real-time collaboration tools has never been greater, as traditional documents and apps can’t always keep pace with the speed and style of modern teamwork. Let us introduce Microsoft Loop, an innovative Microsoft 365 app built to supercharge co-creation and boost productivity.
Designed with modern teams in mind, Loop combines powerful collaboration features with a fluid interface, making it easier to work together across various apps and devices.
What Is Microsoft Loop?
Microsoft Loop is a productivity and collaboration app in the Microsoft 365 suite that allows users to co-create, plan, and stay aligned across different tools and workflows.
At the core of Loop are three main elements:
Loop Components – Portable pieces of content like task lists, tables, or notes that can be shared and edited in real-time across apps like Teams, Outlook, Word for the web, and Loop itself.
Loop Pages – Flexible canvases that bring together components, links, files, and ideas in a single space.
Loop Workspaces – Shared spaces that help teams group everything related to a project in one place, so everyone stays on the same page.
What sets Loop apart is its fluidity; content isn’t tied to one app or location. It’s live and is automatically updated wherever it’s embedded.
Key features of Microsoft Loop
Real-time co-authoring: Multiple users can edit Loop components simultaneously, with changes instantly reflected across all instances.
Cross-application collaboration: Embed Loop components directly into Teams chats, Outlook emails, or documents, and collaborate without the need to switch apps.
AI integration with Microsoft Copilot: Use Copilot to summarise content, draft ideas, and automate updates directly within Loop.
Integrated workspaces: Organise tasks, content, and conversations centrally, by project or topic for better visibility and structure.
Notifications and task tracking: Get alerts on mentions and updates, and track tasks through Microsoft Planner and To Do integration.
Which Microsoft license do you need?
Currently, Microsoft Loop is available with the following licences:
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Microsoft 365 E3 or E5
Users on Business Basic or Office 365 E1 plans may not have access to the full Loop experience. It’s also worth noting that Loop is a cloud-based app, so access depends on having the latest versions of Microsoft 365 and modern browser support.
If you have the correct licensing but seem unable to access Microsoft Loop, you may need the person/s who manage your M365 tenancy to enable and configure Microsoft Loop for you.
A quick start guide to Microsoft Loop
1. Access Loop:
Head to loop.microsoft.com or launch the Loop app via the Microsoft 365 app launcher.
2. Create a workspace:
Click “+ New Workspace” and name your project. Add relevant team members.
3. Add a page:
Within your workspace, create a new page where you can start building your content, from scratch or using templates.
4. Insert Loop components:
Add tables, task lists, checklists, and other components that can be shared externally (e.g, in Teams or Outlook).
5. Share and collaborate:
Send a component to colleagues via Teams or email. They can interact with it in real-time without ever opening Loop.
6. Use Copilot (if available):
Generate summaries, action items, or content suggestions directly inside your workspace using AI.
What is Microsoft Loop good for?
Loop isn’t there to replace your core tools, but it has the ability to enhance them. Here are a few examples of where it can be put to good use:
Project management: Organise tasks, feedback and notes in one space that updates live as people contribute. You can keep separate projects in separate Loops.
Meeting follow-ups: Share editable meeting notes in Teams chat or Outlook so actions are tracked and visible. Instead of endless email chains, embed a living task list into an email and keep the updates in one place.
Brainstorming and planning: Use Loop pages as a digital whiteboard to capture ideas, links, and documents in a flexible layout.
Event planning: Keep everyone in sync, even when they’re working across different departments, locations, or time zones.
Training, onboarding and knowledge sharing: Streamline training and onboarding by creating interactive, real-time workspaces where new team members can access the latest resources, complete tasks, and collaborate with mentors, all in one dynamic, central easy-to-update location.
Marketing campaign management: Plan and manage marketing campaigns by bringing content, timelines, and collaboration together in one flexible workspace, allowing multiple teams to brainstorm, track progress, and update campaign assets in real time.
Embracing Microsoft Loop is a big step forward in the evolution of collaboration – turning static documents into dynamic, connected workspaces. By combining flexibility, portability, and the power of Microsoft 365 integration, Loop helps teams stay aligned, efficient, and productive in a variety of work environments.
If your organisation is already using Microsoft 365 Business Standard or above, now is a great time to explore Loop and experience a new way of working, one that moves with your team, wherever and however they work.