Microsoft releases an extensive feature wave (“Release Wave”) for Dynamics 365 twice per year. Each wave delivers new features, improvements, integrations, and AI updates – without traditional large upgrades.
Dynamics 365 Sales is the CRM platform for lead and opportunity management, forecasting, quoting processes, and collaborative selling.
The 2026 Release Wave 1 is especially relevant because it:
1. Copilot / AI
2. Sales Productivity & Engagement
3. Pipeline & Forecasting
4. Reporting & Insights
5. Platform & Integration
6. Usability & Collaboration
With the 2026 Release Wave 1, Microsoft strengthens AI capabilities primarily to improve lead qualification, opportunity management, forecasting, and team collaboration. Companies benefit from more automation, better data, and higher productivity.
Important note:
At the same time, Microsoft is changing its licensing model and fully replacing AI Builder credits with Copilot credits (end of AI Builder credits by November 1, 2026, at the latest). There is no automatic conversion, meaning companies must assess their individual credit requirements. Feel free to contact us!
Companies should begin evaluation, sandbox testing, and enablement now to leverage all the benefits of the new AI and automation features.
Do you have questions about the new Dynamics 365 Sales features or are you interested in workshops on Copilot in sales? Feel free to contact us.
TSO-DATA
David Eggenhofer
+49 (541) 1395-0
crm[at]tso[dot]de
April to September 2026; staggered rollout per feature.
No, Microsoft deploys cloud updates automatically; many features remain optional.
Sales Research Agent, Sales Qualification Agent, Sales Close Agent (incl. Delta Guidance, Ask-and-Refine), AI-based Next Best Actions.
AI-based data enrichment & historical pattern analyses improve predictions and deal transparency.
Sales leadership, SalesOps/RevOps, CRM admin, key users, account managers.
Yes, Next Best Actions & research functions are more deeply embedded in Microsoft 365.
Lower efficiency, reduced data quality, missed automation opportunities, slower forecasting.
