What is Microsoft Copilot? how to use Microsoft Copilot?
What is Microsoft Copilot? Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered tool designed to enhance productivity for Microsoft 365 users across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. A successor to previous client-side initiatives like Clippy and Cortana, Copilot offers task automation and suggestions to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.
Utilizing the advancements in processing power from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Copilot leverages dedicated AI coprocessors introduced alongside the latest CPU generations. These coprocessors are tailored to handle language models and inference tasks, enhancing Copilot’s capabilities.
Initially launched as Bing Chat in February 2023 for Bing and Microsoft’s Edge browser, Copilot is built on OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model. While currently relying on graphics processing units (GPUs) for training and CPUs/GPUs for inference, the newest CPUs feature neural processing units (NPUs) optimized for AI acceleration, augmenting Copilot’s performance.
Copilot’s availability has expanded beyond Windows 11 to include the latest Windows 10 version. In the upcoming major Windows update, expected in late 2024, Copilot will feature deeper integration and advanced functionalities like self-customization, automatic repair, and enhanced security.
Compatible primarily with Microsoft 365 suite, Copilot excludes support for locally installed productivity software such as Office 2021/2019/2016 and earlier versions. It’s accessible on Mac via Microsoft 365 and offers a limited version for Apple iOS and Android users.
For Windows users, Copilot is gradually rolled out through the latest Windows 11 update and available in preview for select Windows 10 users. Once installed, users can access Copilot via the taskbar, where it seamlessly integrates with the OS to automate tasks, search files, and respond to voice commands, akin to Cortana’s functionality.
How to use Microsoft Copilot
In Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, users can engage Copilot in natural language queries, similar to ChatGPT, to assist in generating, completing, or rewriting text. Additionally, Copilot offers document summarization, providing concise overviews of content, and can transform text into structured data tables.
Within Microsoft Teams, Copilot facilitates meeting summaries by highlighting key points and action items. It offers response suggestions and talking points during meetings, as well as translations for foreign languages to enhance collaboration and communication among team members.
How to access Microsoft Copilot
In Windows 11, the Copilot icon now occupies the space previously held by the Cortana button on the lower-left corner of the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Clicking on this icon grants access to a range of features, including voice commands, information searches, and file navigation.
Both Bing and Microsoft 365 feature a dedicated Copilot button to launch a prompt interface. In Bing, users can find the “Ask Copilot” prompt below the search box. Within the Microsoft 365 suite, a Copilot button is available in the toolbar across all applications.
For Outlook users, Copilot can be accessed via the Add-ins menu or the Help section. In Microsoft Teams, users can locate the Copilot icon in the main menu or during one-on-one or group chats for easy access to its functionalities.
Differences between Cortana and Copilot
Cortana was a basic personal assistant application that primarily handled tasks, reminders, and provided information via voice commands. Operating independently, it lacked integration with other Microsoft products or tools.
In contrast, Copilot represents a significant advancement, serving as an integrated productivity assistant within Microsoft 365 applications and Bing. It offers sophisticated support for content creation, editing, and workflow automation, enhancing productivity across various tasks.