Kari's Tips and Tricks #107:  Microsoft Copilot - What is It? How do I Use It?

Confused by Copilot? You're not alone!

I'm sure you've noticed that copilot is everywhere in Microsoft right now. If you're like me - you know it's AI but not exactly sure how it's different than the other tools and how can it help you? We're not going to do a deep dive here yet, but one of the first things you need to know is that there is a FREE and a LICENSED(paid) version.

Free vs. Licensed

First off, if you haven't looked too much into it yet, you may not even know this but there is a free and licensed version of Copilot.  

FREE VERSION - The free version of Copilot is a chat.  It's similar to other AI chat apps you've likely used like Chat GPT or GROK. Copilot is considered the most robust free access to AI, but it does have a Microsoft lens. It can also be accessed at https://copilot.microsoft.com/ 

PAID VERSION - The paid version of Copilot is fully integrated into your M365 apps. There are multiple types of subscriptions available which I won't get into. 

Which Version Do You Have?

PAID Version (subscription)

There will be a button on your ribbon and you will see it lurking in other parts of your apps. It can also be installed as a separate app.

On your ribbon of your M365 apps it will look similar to this.

In Excel it might look like this.

FREE Version 

If you have the free version, when you log into your M365, you will see the Copilot icon and it will be more of a chat interface.

How to Use It (Free Version)

1. Open up M365 in your browser or go directly to Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com)
2. Enter in what you'd like it to do. The more context you give it, the better.

Examples:

• Draft a polite email response to a client delay complaint.
  Tip: Copy first the complaint email and paste it into the chat for reference.
• Suggest 5 Excel formulas to analyze sales data. 
  Tip: Give specific context for what you're looking
• Create a flow chart with blue shades for the following process: Idea - Concept - Create - Approve - Finalize.
  Tip: The more detail you give it  - the less revisions you'll need. 
• Recap my Teams meeting/Summarize a long email or document.
  Tip: Copy and paste the transcript/email/document into copilot.

Why You’ll Love It: Saves TONS of time for redundant tasks.