What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

15th December 2023
robot hand and human hand both reaching towards copilot logo

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has existed for decades, but its recent surge in popularity is unprecedented, leading to innovative new software such as Microsoft 365 Copilot. With technological advancements, AI has become more accessible and efficient, integrating into various industries and daily life.

One of the most popular AI services is ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI, which understands natural language and generates human-like responses.

While AI revolutionises many businesses and industries, concerns about its impact on employment and privacy persist. These concerns are valid, but AI undeniably resolves numerous efficiency issues and streamlines workflow processes. Recognising this potential, Microsoft developed an AI service called Copilot, now integrated into Microsoft 365 apps.

Let’s explore the exciting world of Microsoft 365 Copilot!

What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is a new AI digital assistant developed with ChatGPT version 4 and Microsoft Graphs. Integrated into Microsoft 365, Copilot provides businesses with a powerful AI solution that inherits all their valuable security, compliance, and privacy policies and processes. Copilot is a trusted AI assistant that streamlines workflows without compromising security and privacy.

Copilot integrates into Microsoft 365 in two ways. Firstly, it embeds in the Microsoft 365 apps you use daily, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. This integration helps users unleash creativity, boost productivity, and improve skills, making it easier to complete tasks and achieve goals.

Secondly, Business Chat works across all your business data and apps, including your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and contacts. It uses natural language prompts to generate status updates, simplifying team communication and ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Business Chat also surfaces essential information and insights from vast data, promoting knowledge flow across the organisation and saving valuable time. Access Business Chat from Microsoft365.com, Bing when signed in with your work account, or Teams.

copilot logo and text

How do you use Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Now that you know Microsoft Copilot is a productivity game-changer, how do you use this innovative integration? Here’s how Copilot can improve your workflow.

To start, select the Copilot icon from your chosen Microsoft 365 app’s ribbon menu. A sidebar appears where you can enter your desired action (such as “write a first draft” or “send an email”) and receive Copilot’s recommendations. Copilot makes it easy to use the many commands available in Microsoft 365, regardless of your experience with the software.

In Word, Copilot jump-starts your creative process. You’ll never start with a blank slate again. Copilot provides a first draft to edit and build upon, saving hours of writing, sourcing, and editing time. Sometimes Copilot will be right, other times usefully wrong — but it always propels you forward. You control the content, driving your unique ideas and prompting Copilot to shorten, rewrite, or give feedback.

In PowerPoint, Copilot creates stunning presentations with a simple prompt, adding relevant content from a document you made last week or last year. Or, if you want to streamline your work in Excel, Copilot analyses trends and creates professional-looking data visualisations in seconds.

In Outlook, Copilot summarises long email threads, quickly drafts suggested replies, and clears your inbox in minutes, not hours. If you’re too busy to answer an email, ask Copilot to write a response. It understands the context and generates the reply; all you need to do is read and hit send.

Microsoft Copilot also extends to Power Platform, allowing anyone to automate repetitive tasks, create chatbots, and go from idea to working app in minutes.

Microsoft Copilot enhances your strengths and lets you quickly master new skills. It unlocks rich functionality using natural language, so you can focus on your ideas instead of the software.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a game-changing AI digital assistant that significantly boosts productivity and efficiency in most workplaces. Integrated into Microsoft 365, Copilot helps you master new skills quickly and focus on your creativity, leaving tedious tasks to the AI assistant. Whether using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, or any other 365 app, Microsoft 365 Copilot is there to assist. If you’re seeking an innovative solution to boost productivity, Microsoft 365 Copilot is your answer.