Copilot for Microsoft 365 – How Does it Work with Outlook?
Dec 12, 2024Tired of feeling overwhelmed by your inbox? Me too. That’s where Copilot for Microsoft 365 comes in—a game-changing A.I. assistant designed to make managing emails easier, faster, and far less stressful.
Since its release in November 2023, Copilot has been helping users streamline their email workflows, but not everyone is aware of just how powerful it is, especially when it comes to Outlook.
If you’re ready to take back control of your inbox, keep reading. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube video, where I demo Copilot’s features in action!
Let’s get to it.
How to Buy Copilot for Microsoft 365
To start using Copilot, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes the feature. Plans start at $30 per user per month, which might seem steep, but the productivity boost is worth it.
Check your current subscription to ensure Copilot is included or explore upgrade options through your Microsoft account. Once you’re set up, you’re ready to unlock its potential.
Draft New Emails with Copilot
If you dread drafting emails, Copilot is here to help. Here’s how it works:
- Open Outlook and click ‘New Email’.
- Select the ‘Draft with Copilot’ option.
- Enter a brief prompt describing your email, like “Request for sales targets from Simon after his holiday.”
- Click ‘Generate’. Copilot will create a draft based on your input. You can even customise the tone and length to suit your needs.
- Review the draft. If needed, click ‘Regenerate’ to tweak it or add more details. Once you’re happy, hit ‘Keep’ to save it as a draft.
No more agonizing over wording—Copilot handles it in seconds.
Reply to Emails with Copilot
Got a packed inbox? Copilot can quickly generate replies:
- Open an email and click ‘Reply’.
- Choose ‘Draft with Copilot’. Enter a simple prompt like, “Thank Simon and schedule a follow-up meeting.”
- Adjust tone and length if needed, then click ‘Generate’.
- Review and edit the draft before clicking ‘Send.’
This feature is a lifesaver for repetitive tasks or when time is tight.
Copilot for iPhone
If you’re on the go, Copilot works seamlessly with Outlook on iPhone. You can draft, reply to, and manage emails directly from your device. This mobile integration ensures productivity doesn’t stop when you leave your desk.
Summarising Emails with Copilot
Long email threads can be overwhelming, but Copilot’s summarisation tool is a game-changer:
- Open an email and click ‘Summary by Copilot.’
- Copilot analyses the content and provides a concise summary of key points.
This feature is perfect for catching up quickly without wading through pages of text.
Using Copilot Beyond Outlook
Copilot isn’t limited to just emails. Log into your Microsoft 365 portal to access additional features:
Meeting Preparation
- Open the Copilot hub and select an upcoming meeting.
- Copilot will gather and summarise relevant information to help you prepare
Email Search
- Type prompts like, “Find emails from Simon last month.”
- Copilot retrieves relevant messages, making searching faster and more efficient.
Team Updates
- Select a team member’s name under the ‘What’s New’ section.
- Get a quick summary of their recent activities—ideal for project catch-ups.
Email Coaching
- Click ‘Coaching by Copilot.’
- Copilot reviews your email for tone, clarity, and impact, offering suggestions to improve your communication skills.
Final Thoughts on Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is an impressive A.I. tool that simplifies email management, boosts productivity, and helps you stay on top of your work. Whether it’s drafting emails, summarising threads, or prepping for meetings, Copilot has you covered.
That said, it’s not free, so weigh the benefits against the cost before committing.
If you’re ready to transform the way you handle emails, check out my YouTube video for a full walkthrough.
For further IT support, reach out to Integral IT at [email protected] or visit www.integral-it.co.uk.