Federated connectors

Concept

Copilot connector model in which Microsoft 365 Copilot queries an external system in real time, via the Model Context Protocol, instead of indexing its content into Microsoft 365; each user authenticates with the source system.

Title graphic: Federated connectors (Concept)

Type	Concept

Key points about Federated connectors

Synced connectors index data into Microsoft Graph; federated connectors give real-time access to live data without indexing. · Microsoft Graph Connectors - Simply Explained
There are two main types: synced connectors for indexed data and federated connectors for real-time access. · Connect External Business Data with Microsoft…

Episodes about Federated connectors

Microsoft Graph Connectors - Simply Explained

2026-07-19 · Video on YouTube

Microsoft Graph Connectors extend the Microsoft Graph by bringing data from external systems into Microsoft 365, making it searchable and accessible through Microsoft Search, Microsoft Copilot, and other Microsoft 365 experiences. Instead of limiting users to…

Connect External Business Data with Microsoft 365…

2025-11-03 · Video on YouTube

This episode breaks down how Microsoft 365 Copilot Connectors are quietly becoming the backbone of the Copilot experience, transforming Microsoft Search from a basic tool into a powerful, enterprise-wide knowledge engine. We explore what connectors actually…

Timeline of episodes about Federated connectors

Articles about Federated connectors (3)

Synced vs. Federated Microsoft Graph Connectors: Which Should You Choose?
2026-08-22 · Mirko Peters
Welcome to our deep dive into the architecture of modern enterprise search and data integration. If you have been following our recent podcast discussions on enterp…
Building Custom Copilot Connectors: A Step-by-Step Extensibility Guide
2026-08-12 · Mirko Peters
Building Custom Copilot Connectors: A Step-by-Step Extensibility Guide Welcome to our deep dive into the world of AI extensibility. If you have ever wondered how t…
How Microsoft Copilot Connects to Graph
2026-04-16 · Mirko Peters
Learn how Microsoft Copilot connects to Microsoft Graph, retrieves permitted organizational data, and uses context while respecting access controls.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between synced and federated connectors?

Synced connectors index data into Microsoft Graph for quick searches across Microsoft 365 apps. Federated connectors give real-time access to live data without indexing. · From the episode: Microsoft Graph Connectors - Simply Explained

Glossary

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Sources

Feed for this topic (RSS): entity/federated-connectors/feed.xml
M365.FM episodes on this topic: 2
Articles on this topic: 3

Maintained by Mirko Peters (Microsoft MVP) · Last updated: 2026-11-03