Applies to: Employees who have a Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on license.
Copilot is an AI assistant that can help you draft content, summarize information, and find content in your emails, meetings, and work files.
Do I need to install anything?
No, you can get started directly in your browser.
Open Copilot Chat.
Sign in with the work account that has your Copilot license.
Type your question or describe what you need help with.
Send the message to get a response.
You do not need to install a separate app to use the chat on the web. See Microsoft’s getting started guide.
Can Copilot access files in OneDrive and SharePoint?
Yes, Copilot can normally find and use both your own files in OneDrive and shared files in SharePoint Online that you have permission to access.
You normally do not need to configure any special settings, connect folders, or sync the files to your computer. You must be signed in with your work account, and your organization’s settings must allow access.
Copilot follows your existing permissions. This means that:
Copilot can use files you have access to.
Copilot does not give you access to files you do not have permission to access.
Your colleagues do not gain access to your own files through Copilot unless they already have permission to access them.
Your organization’s settings and document protection can restrict access. Having permission to access a file therefore does not guarantee that Copilot can find or use it. See Microsoft’s information on access and data protection.
Do I need to restart my applications or computer?
On the web: Start by refreshing the page if a new feature does not appear.
In Microsoft 365 applications: If you recently received your license, you may need to close and reopen the applications. Save your work first. After manually updating the license, all open Microsoft 365 applications must be restarted.
Restarting your entire computer is normally not the first step. Microsoft’s troubleshooting starts with refreshing the page or updating the license and restarting the applications. See Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide.
I cannot find Copilot in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint
Check the following:
Correct account: You must be signed in with the work account that has your Copilot license.
Button location: It may appear in the lower-right corner of the document or near the ribbon, depending on the version.
Updated license: In Windows, you can open an application such as Word and select File → Account → Update License, if the option is displayed. Save your work, then restart all Microsoft 365 applications.
Application version and settings: If Copilot is still missing, IT may need to check your license, application version, and your organization’s settings.
See Microsoft’s guide for a missing Copilot button.
What can I start with?
Try, for example:
“Write a short and friendly draft of a meeting invitation for a project kickoff.”
“Find the company’s travel policy and summarize the rules for hotel bookings. Show the source.”
“Find documents about project X and summarize the key points. Link to the documents.”
“Summarize my emails from the past week about project X.”
Try to describe the task, the audience, and the desired format. You can then ask Copilot to shorten the response, change the tone, or clarify something.
Always review the response and any sources before using the content. Follow your organization’s guidelines on what information you may share with AI services.