What is Microsoft Copilot + Tips to Access It

By Tanya | Last Updated on April 23rd, 2024 10:54 am

Imagine having a computer that works like a personal helper, able to quickly sort through your emails, play your favorite work tunes, and search the internet for you—all with simple voice commands. This idea might seem far-off, but with recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), we're getting closer to making it a reality.

Microsoft Copilot is a big step in the right direction. It brings some of this futuristic functionality to life, thanks to a partnership with OpenAI. By integrating advanced AI technologies like GPT and DALL·E into Microsoft's widely-used apps, Copilot introduces handy features like quick-access buttons and AI chat options right where we need them. In this blog post, we'll explore how Microsoft Copilot is starting to change the way we interact with our digital tools, making them more responsive and easier to use. By integrating workflow automation tools into Microsoft applications, it simplifies our online tasks and elevates our efficiency.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is a collection of AI-powered tools and features integrated into Microsoft's applications, leveraging large language models (LLMs) like GPT and DALL·E, provided through Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI. These features are designed to streamline tasks, foster creativity, and improve efficiency within:

Windows 11
Bing Search's AI Chat
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

The implementation of Copilot across these platforms aims to enhance the user experience by offering generative AI capabilities (for both text and images), data analysis, and more. By automating and optimizing processes, Copilot seeks to save users time in their work routines.

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11

With the plethora of applications and features in Windows 11 can be a breeze with the right tools at your disposal. Copilot, an AI-powered assistance tool, is one such feature that seamlessly integrates into your workflow. Whether you're comparing popular applications like Google Calendar and Apple Calendar or looking for detailed insights into their functionalities, Copilot offers an efficient way to gather information.

Launch Copilot

Click the Copilot button on the taskbar or press Win + C on the keyboard to launch Copilot.

Control Windows with Copilot

Use Copilot to perform various tasks like switching to dark mode, opening Windows Settings, launching File Explorer, and more Type commands like "turn on dark mode," "open Windows Settings," or "launch File Explorer" to interact with Copilot

Customize Copilot

To hide Copilot from the taskbar, go to Personalization > Taskbar in Settings and turn off the Copilot option

Interact with Copilot

Copilot appears as a sidebar docked to the right of your screen and runs alongside your open app windows for interaction

You can ask Copilot a range of questions, from simple to complex, and it can assist with various tasks based on your commands. For example, we can Copilot to give us a comparison table between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.

Voice Commands- You can also use voice commands to interact with Copilot, thanks to Windows' dictation feature. This allows for a conversational interface, making it possible to perform tasks without needing to manually switch apps.

Perform Actions- Although Copilot can guide you to perform certain actions (like opening an app), it currently cannot execute tasks within those apps (e.g., playing a playlist in Spotify).

Additional Information

Ensure you are running the latest version of Windows 11 to access Copilot, which is part of the September 2023 Windows update
Note that Copilot is still in a preview stage so that some features may be limited or subject to improvements over time
Enhance your experience by talking directly to Copilot. This feature turns your commands into actions and responses, making it feel like you're conversing with your computer.
With ongoing updates, Microsoft continues to expand Copilot's capabilities across more applications, making it an increasingly powerful tool for workflow automation and creativity.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Copilot on Windows 11 for assistance with various tasks and commands.

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Bing Search's AI Chat and Microsoft Edge

Using Microsoft Copilot in Bing Search's AI Chat and Microsoft Edge enhances your browsing and searching experience with AI-powered insights and assistance. Here's how to get started and make the most out of these features:

Copilot on Bing

Accessing Copilot on Bing

Visit the Bing website and click on the Chat link in the upper menu to access Copilot.

Alternatively, if you are using Microsoft Edge, open any webpage, click the Bing sidebar button in the upper right corner, and select a conversation style to engage with Copilot.

Starting a Conversation

When starting a conversation with Copilot on Bing, you will be presented with three conversation styles: Creative, Precise, and Balanced modes. Choose a style based on your preferences and needs. Each conversation style influences the type of responses you receive from Copilot, ranging from imaginative and detailed to concise and specific answers

Using Copilot Features

Ask Copilot questions or provide prompts for tasks like creating images, generating content, solving math or coding problems, and more. You can follow up initial answers with more specific questions based on the results provided by Copilot to delve deeper into topics of interest.

Copilot in Bing is powered by GPT-4, a next-generation OpenAI large language model that enhances its conversational capabilities and search functionalities. Users can access Copilot through the Bing website, Microsoft Edge browser, Bing mobile app, and other web browsers by adding add-ons or downloadable apps.

How to Write a Blog Post Using Copilot on Microsoft Edge

Leveraging AI tools like Copilot in Microsoft Edge can streamline the process of crafting engaging and informative blog posts and below are the steps on how to start a blog post on workflow automation using Copilot on Microsoft Edge.

Open Copilot in Microsoft Edge

Begin by launching Microsoft Edge on your device and accessing the Copilot feature, located conveniently in the upper right corner of the browser. Click on the Copilot icon to initiate your creative journey.

Select Compose and Choose a Topic

Within the Copilot sidebar, navigate to the Compose option at the top. Here, you can immerse yourself in a world of possibilities by selecting a relevant topic that resonates with your expertise in workflow automation. Summarize your ideas concisely in the "Write about" section to prompt Copilot for tailored blog post suggestions.

Choose Tone, Format, and Length

Tailor your blog post's tone to suit your target audience and industry preferences. Whether you opt for a professional demeanor, a casual approach, or an enthusiastic voice, ensure it aligns with your brand identity. Select a suitable format (e.g., paragraph, blog post, etc) and determine the ideal length to effectively convey your message.

Engage with Copilot for Content Generation

Engage Copilot's AI capabilities to generate insightful content ideas, refine your draft, and enhance the overall quality of your workflow automation blog post. Collaborate with Copilot to receive valuable suggestions on improving readability, boosting engagement, and tailoring your content for maximum impact.

Once you've generated an initial draft with Copilot's assistance, embark on a meticulous editing process. Review your blog post carefully, making necessary revisions to ensure accuracy and coherence with your unique writing style. Conduct a final proofread to eliminate any errors or redundancies before sharing your masterpiece with your eager audience.

Tips for Using Copilot in Bing and Edge

Interactive Queries : Take advantage of the conversational nature of AI chat by asking questions as you would in a natural conversation. This can lead to more accurate and useful responses.
Experiment : Try out different types of queries to understand the range of tasks Copilot can assist with, from straightforward factual questions to more complex requests like content creation or summarization.
Feedback : Use the feedback options in Bing's AI Chat and Microsoft Edge to improve AI responses. Your input helps train the AI to be more accurate and relevant.

By integrating Microsoft Copilot into your Bing searches and Microsoft Edge browsing, you can significantly enhance your internet experience with powerful AI assistance, making information gathering, content creation, and daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft Copilot transforms how you work in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into these familiar applications. Here’s how to use Copilot to streamline your tasks and boost productivity in each program:

Microsoft Copilot in Word

Step into the realm of productivity and creativity with this insightful video tutorial on using Copilot in Microsoft Word. Join the tutorial host as they unravel the power of Copilot, Microsoft's generative AI assistant, within the familiar Word environment. Discover how to leverage Copilot's capabilities to streamline your content creation process, from generating new content to enhancing existing text and creating polished documents effortlessly. Dive into practical demonstrations and expert tips that showcase how Copilot can revolutionize your writing experience, empowering you to craft compelling and professional documents with ease.

Microsoft Copilot in Excel

Dive into the realm of productivity and efficiency with this enlightening video tutorial on utilizing Copilot in Microsoft Excel. Join the tutorial host as they unravel the capabilities of Copilot within Excel, Microsoft's generative AI assistant designed to streamline data management and analysis tasks. Explore how Copilot can assist in automating workflows, generating insights, and enhancing your Excel experience. From simplifying complex calculations to optimizing data visualization, this tutorial provides practical demonstrations and expert guidance on harnessing Copilot's power to elevate your Excel proficiency.

Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint

Join the tutorial host as they unveil the transformative capabilities of Copilot within PowerPoint, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant designed to enhance your presentation creation process. Explore how Copilot can assist in generating design ideas, suggesting layouts, and optimizing content to elevate your PowerPoint presentations. Dive into practical demonstrations and expert insights that showcase how Copilot can revolutionize your approach to crafting engaging and visually appealing slides.

Tips for Using Microsoft Copilot

Be Specific : The more specific you are with your requests, the better Copilot can assist you. Clarify your needs and expectations for more accurate and useful outcomes.
Explore Features : Copilot is continuously updated with new features. Regularly explore its capabilities to take full advantage of its potential.
Feedback Matters : Provide feedback on Copilot’s suggestions and outputs. Your input helps improve its accuracy and usefulness over time.

By integrating Microsoft Copilot into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you can significantly enhance your workflow, from automating mundane tasks to generating creative content and insightful data analysis. This AI-powered assistant is designed to make your work faster, more efficient, and more intuitive.

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Outlook and Teams

Integrating Microsoft Copilot into Outlook and Teams revolutionizes how you manage communications and collaborations, making your workflow more efficient and intelligent. Here's a guide on how to leverage Copilot's capabilities in both applications:

Microsoft Copilot in Outlook

Learn how Copilot, an advanced AI-powered feature, offers suggestions, recommendations, and automated assistance to compose emails more effectively. Explore step-by-step instructions on enabling Copilot in Outlook and discover how to leverage its features to streamline your email writing process. Uncover the power of Copilot in enhancing grammar, style, readability, and overall email quality, empowering you to create impactful and well-crafted emails effortlessly.

Microsoft Copilot in Teams

Join the tutorial as it explores the integration of Copilot within Teams, offering intelligent recaps and productivity-boosting features post-meeting. Discover how Copilot can streamline your team interactions, summarize discussions, and assist in maximizing productivity within the Teams environment. Explore practical demonstrations and expert insights on leveraging Copilot to enhance your Teams experience and drive efficient communication and collaboration.

Tips for Using Microsoft Copilot in Outlook and Teams

Personalization : Take advantage of Copilot's ability to learn from your writing style and preferences. The more you use it, the more personalized and effective its suggestions become.
Security and Privacy : Be mindful of the information you share with Copilot, especially when drafting emails or messages that contain sensitive information.
Feedback Loop : Provide feedback on Copilot's suggestions to help improve its accuracy and relevance. This feedback is crucial for refining its AI models.

By incorporating Microsoft Copilot into Outlook and Teams, you can significantly enhance your productivity, streamline communications, and foster a more efficient collaborative environment. Copilot's AI-driven features are designed to handle the heavy lifting of day-to-day tasks, allowing you to focus on more strategic work.

How to access Microsoft Copilot

To access Microsoft Copilot across various platforms, follow these simplified steps:

Office Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Ensure you have a Microsoft 365 subscription and your apps are up to date. Look for the Copilot feature in the app's toolbar.
Outlook and Teams: Update these apps to the latest version to use Copilot for tasks like drafting emails and summarizing meetings. The Copilot feature will be visible within the app.
Windows 11: Keep your system updated. Copilot may appear on the taskbar or be accessible via the Windows key + C.
Bing Search and Microsoft Edge: Access Copilot through Bing or use the latest version of Edge for enhanced capabilities.

Check the Microsoft website or app updates for the most current information on Copilot availability.

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Conclusion

Looking ahead, Microsoft Copilot is showing us how AI can change the way we work for the better. It's not just about making tasks easier; it's about helping us think up new ideas and work better together. Even though it's early days, the benefits of AI at work are clear. Microsoft Copilot is leading the way into a new world of work where everything is smarter, our ideas come to life easier, and working together is smoother.

Explore our blog on the best Microsoft apps for insights into applications redefining workplace efficiency and innovation.

Tanya