Empowering a Unified View of People in Microsoft 365  

In today’s hybrid workplace, people data lives in many places—HR systems, collaboration tools, and identity platforms. But when this data is fragmented, it creates friction: outdated profiles, inconsistent search results, and incomplete context for AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot.  

That’s where Microsoft 365 Copilot connectors for people data come in. Formerly known as Microsoft Graph connectors, these tools help organizations bring people data from third-party systems into Microsoft 365—creating a unified, consistent, and enriched view of individuals across apps and experiences.  

Why It Matters: The Power of Connected People Data  

Unified Identity

Copilot connectors allow you to merge people data from Microsoft 365 with external sources like Human Capital Management (HCM) systems. The result? A complete, coherent profile that reflects the full picture of each individual—no matter where their data originates.  

Enhanced Copilot Responses

When Copilot has access to richer people data, it can reason more effectively and deliver more relevant, context-aware responses. Whether you’re asking about team structures, roles, or responsibilities, Copilot becomes smarter with connected data.  

Improved Discoverability

With people data integrated into Microsoft 365, users can find colleagues more easily through profile cards, Org Explorer, and semantic search. This boosts collaboration and reduces time spent hunting for the right contact.  

Profile Card Integration

Updated profile cards now include enriched data and direct links to the original third-party source—ensuring transparency and traceability.  

Where the Data Shows Up  

Once connected, people data from third-party systems can appear across Microsoft 365 experiences, including:  

• Microsoft 365 profile cards  

• Microsoft 365 Copilot chat  

• Microsoft Search  

• Org Explorer  

Admins can configure which properties are shown and how they map to Microsoft 365’s schema using the Microsoft Admin Center (MAC).  

Managing Data Sources and Precedence  

Microsoft 365 uses a precedence model to determine which data source is authoritative. Before any connectors are configured, Entra ID is the default source. Once a Copilot connector is added, it takes top priority—ensuring the most accurate and up-to-date data is displayed.  

🔍 Note: Not all imported data appears by default. Admins must explicitly configure what shows up in profile cards and other experiences.  

Keeping Profiles Accurate  

Editing Incorrect Information

To correct profile data:  

1. Export your profile data from the profile card (includes source ID).  

1. Contact your tenant admin with the details.  

1. The admin identifies the connector in MAC and updates the data in the third-party system.  

1. The next scheduled crawl reflects the changes in Microsoft 365.  

Deleting Profile Information  

Only tenant admins can delete people data sourced from employer-owned systems. Depending on your organization’s policies, you may or may not be able to request deletion directly.  

For more on DSRs, see Microsoft’s guidance on GDPR and CCPA compliance.  

Security, Authentication & Data Residency  

Secure by Design

Microsoft supports only the most secure authentication protocols—OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC)—to protect user identities and data. Only Global Admins and Copilot Admins can configure people connectors.  

Data Refresh & Accuracy

Admins should schedule regular syncs to ensure data remains fresh and aligned with source systems. If a connector is deleted, it’s removed from all instances, though some delay may occur.  

Data Residency

People data is stored in each user’s Exchange Online mailbox, scoped to their Microsoft 365 profile. For more, see Data residency for Exchange Online.  

Removing a Connector  

To delete a Copilot connector for people data:  

1. Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.  

1. Navigate to the Connectors section.  

1. Locate and delete the desired connector (Microsoft-built or partner-built).  

More details: Manage Microsoft Search connectors  

Final Thoughts: Building a Smarter, More Connected Workplace  

Copilot connectors for people data are more than a technical integration—they’re a strategic enabler of productivity, discoverability, and trust. By unifying identity across systems, organizations can empower their people with the context they need to collaborate, innovate, and thrive.  

🚀 Ready to unify your people data? Let’s connect the dots and unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365.