Microsoft introduced several new features for Copilot for Microsoft 365, enhancing its functionality across a variety of platforms and applications. With these updates, users—from large enterprises to smaller organizations—can expect an even more integrated experience as Copilot continues to revolutionize daily tasks. Whether you’re using Outlook, Excel, or the Microsoft 365 mobile app, the latest enhancements aim to improve productivity and data management, delivering an unparalleled AI-powered assistant for the workplace.
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Combining Copilot with work data
One of the standout updates is the ability to ground Copilot prompts directly in your work content across applications like Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Instead of limiting prompts to the current file, Copilot can now reference your chats, emails, meetings, and documents, offering a more holistic approach to task management. For instance, while drafting an email, you can prompt Copilot to pull in action items from a previous meeting, or if you’re working on a document, you can easily check deadlines from other files. This feature, which will begin rolling out in April, enhances the seamless integration of Copilot with your organizational data.
Copilot in the Microsoft 365 mobile app
With Copilot now integrated into the Microsoft 365 mobile app, users can connect with and retrieve insights from their enterprise data on the go. Whether you need a summary of recent meetings or need to translate and explain complex documents, Copilot provides comprehensive support. Employees can also create new work documents, presentations, or emails by using existing information and past work. IT admins can easily deploy this app across corporate devices, ensuring quick access for all employees with a Copilot license.
Direct interaction in Outlook
Another major update is Copilot’s enhanced functionality within Outlook, allowing users to interact directly with the AI assistant to streamline their inbox management. In both the web version and the new Outlook for Windows, Copilot can help you draft emails, summarize meeting discussions, and even find specific messages with ease. Whether you’re looking for emails from a specific colleague or want to pull out actionable items from recent conversations, Copilot makes navigating your inbox faster and more efficient.
Enhanced Copilot features in Excel
The updates to Copilot in Excel further improve user efficiency by introducing voice commands. Instead of typing prompts, users can now verbally instruct Copilot through the microphone feature. Additionally, the new Prompt Guide in the chat pane provides tailored suggestions based on the data you’re working with, helping you maximize the benefits of AI assistance in Excel. Though this feature is still in preview, it represents a significant leap toward making data management in Excel more intuitive and user-friendly.
Contextual output in Loop
Copilot in Loop now provides more relevant outputs by better understanding the context of a page or file. You can ask Copilot to summarize specific sections of a document or identify deadlines in a table, ensuring that you’re quickly brought up to speed with important information. This improvement allows users to navigate through complex documents with greater ease, giving them more time to focus on other tasks.
Strengthening SharePoint security
For organizations concerned about data sharing, Microsoft has introduced Restricted SharePoint Search. This feature, which will roll out to Copilot for Microsoft 365 license holders, allows administrators to restrict Copilot’s access to certain SharePoint sites. This provides companies with an extra layer of security while they audit site permissions and implement stronger data protection measures. Coupled with tools like Microsoft Purview, this feature underscores Microsoft’s commitment to data security and governance.
Expanded data management capabilities
Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance data residency capabilities continue with new commitments for organizations using Copilot. These commitments, covering stored content from Copilot interactions, are now part of Microsoft’s broader data residency policies, ensuring greater control over data across multiple regions. With the addition of features like Advanced Data Residency and Multi-Geo Capabilities, businesses can securely manage their data in the AI-driven era.
Stay updated with the Copilot for Microsoft Tech Accelerator
For those looking to stay informed about Copilot’s latest developments, Microsoft’s Copilot Tech Accelerator offers a wealth of resources. From adoption strategies for large and small businesses to best practices on using Copilot Studio and Graph Connectors, these virtual sessions provide in-depth knowledge to help users get the most out of Copilot for Microsoft 365.
In summary, these new advancements in Copilot for Microsoft 365 continue to push the boundaries of how AI can enhance productivity and data management. With expanded capabilities across multiple applications and robust security features, Copilot is set to further transform the workplace.
