Get Started With Microsoft Copilot

Get Started With Microsoft Copilot

Get Started With Microsoft Copilot

Overview

Microsoft Copilot is the AI assistant built into Microsoft 365. It can draft emails in Outlook, summarize Teams meetings, build slide decks in PowerPoint, and analyze spreadsheets in Excel. This guide gets you signed in and writing your first prompt.

Before You Begin

  • A Microsoft 365 account with a Copilot license. Ask your administrator if you are unsure.
  • Current versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams installed.
  • A clear task in mind. Copilot works best when you have something specific to do.

Steps

  1. Open any Microsoft 365 app (start with Word or Outlook).
  2. Look for the Copilot icon in the ribbon or in the right-hand pane. If you do not see it, restart the app, or open it from https://copilot.microsoft.com in your browser.
  3. Sign in with your work account if prompted. Personal Microsoft accounts will not see the work Copilot.
  4. In Word, click Draft with Copilot on a blank page. Type a prompt such as: "Draft a friendly project update email for our internal team, three short paragraphs."
  5. Review the output. Copilot will produce a first draft, not a final answer. Edit before you send or save.
  6. In Outlook, open an email and click Summarize. Copilot will pull out key points and any asks.
  7. In Teams, after a meeting ends, open the meeting recap. Click Copilot to ask questions like "What action items were assigned to me?"
  8. In Excel, select a table and click Analyze to get charts, trends, and formula suggestions.

Troubleshooting

  • If you do not see the Copilot icon: confirm with your administrator that your license includes Copilot. Standard Microsoft 365 plans do not.
  • If Copilot says it cannot access a file: check that the file is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint, not your local desktop. Copilot needs cloud storage.
  • If responses feel generic: add more context to your prompt. Mention the audience, tone, and desired length.
  • If you see a privacy warning: read it. Some prompts may reach beyond your company tenant. When unsure, do not paste customer data.

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