How to Use Microsoft 365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant at Work

Artificial intelligence is the new buzz world in the digitized world. Organizations are building AI capabilities in their products using generative AI and machine learning to enhance productivity. Elimination of repetitive tasks by using AI assistant to handle those tasks so that time and energy can be channelized for more meaningful work. Report generation, summarization of documents all can be achieved with large language models to assist in various tasks. 

In today’s topic we will learn about Microsoft 365 Copilot, its key features, requirement of Copilot, how to use Office 365 Copilot? 

What is Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a generative AI tool which leverages Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities with data stored on Microsoft graph and Microsoft office 365 applications. The integration of advanced language models and access to relevant data enhances efficiency of Microsoft 365 applications environment.

Microsoft Copilot collaborates seamlessly with Microsoft office 365 productivity suite of applications such as word, excel, PowerPoint, access, Teams, outlook etc. it also works as a Copilot graph grounded chart or business chart. Business charts work with Large language models (LLMs), Microsoft office 365 applications and business data such as email, chat, documents, contacts and meetings. A natural language processing prompt and Copilot for Microsoft office 365 generates updates on status based on meetings, chats and emails. 

Using Copilot for Microsoft 365

With Microsoft 365 Copilot one can have access to latest models (GPT 4 and GPT 4 turbo) having integrated seamlessly with MS word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS-Access, outlook and Teams. All are interconnected with data in Microsoft graph for productivity boost, up level skills and creativity. Copilot has enterprise grade protection of data, it inherits existing security of Microsoft 365, privacy, identity protection and compliance policies.

Microsoft Copilot includes a studio, enabling organizations for Copilot experience with custom Copilot and plugins. Copilot in Power platform lets you automate repetitive tasks, building chatbots etc. 

Features of Copilot for Microsoft 365

• AI-powered chat having protected access for organizational graphs 
• Access seamlessly within Microsoft 365 applications
• Expansion and personalization of Copilot with Microsoft Copilot studio preview
• High end security features, privacy and compliance 

Requirement of Copilot for Microsoft 365

Supports seamless integration of users in Copilot and Microsoft 365 such as word, excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Loop, Microsoft Whiteboard, OneDrive, SharePoint, MS Exchange. 

Activate Copilot for Microsoft 365 Applications

With the license of Copilot for Microsoft office 365 you need to login using Microsoft 365 credentials and from the settings menu activate Copilot. 

In Microsoft Word, Excel or any other application the Copilot panel will be on the right side of the screen. 

• Copilot in Word edit, summarize, and create a first draft bringing information across organization. Adding content to existing documents, summarization of text, and rewriting of sections or complete document, tone suggestions. 
• Copilot of Excel works to help to analyze and explore data. It helps to reveal correlations, what if scenarios, and suggests new formulas based on questions – generation of models based on your questions which help to explore data without changing it. 
• Copilot of PowerPoint helps to convert ideas into interesting presentations. Copilot transforms written documents to decks with speaker notes and source or a new presentation from simple prompt. 
• Copilot in Outlook works on inbox and messages so one can spend less time on emails and communicating in a better way. Summarization of lengthy mails, response to existing mails, quick notes conversion into professional messages etc.
• Copilot in Teams helps in having more effective meetings, speed up conversations, organize key discussion points for team members. Copilot gets answers to specific questions or notifies if something missed out. Creating meeting agendas based on chat history, identifying right people for follow-ups, scheduling a follow up meeting etc. are some common tasks which can be handled efficiently with Copilot.