How to Enable Microsoft Copilot and Access the Microsoft 365 App

Today, many businesses are working faster by using automation—about 80% are speeding up their work processes, and half plan to automate all their repetitive tasks. This push towards automation helps companies work more efficiently and keep up with the competition.

Enter Microsoft Copilot, a handy tool in the Microsoft 365 suite that makes your work easier. 

Let’s go over how to enable Microsoft Copilot, how it’s used across popular Microsoft 365 apps, and the steps to set it up so that it’s ready to roll for your team.

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What is Microsoft Copilot 365?

Before we discuss how to enable Microsoft Copilot, let’s first define the tool. 

Microsoft Copilot is like an AI assistant built right into your Microsoft 365 apps. It’s here to handle daily tasks, help analyze data, and keep things running smoothly in apps you’re already using. 

From drafting documents in Word to tracking data in Excel, Copilot is designed to make each of your tools even more powerful.

Can you access Copilot for free without assigning licenses for Microsoft 365?

While Microsoft Copilot is a premium feature within the Microsoft 365 suite, potential users can access its capabilities through a trial or pilot phase offered by Microsoft. 

Here’s how you can access Copilot Pro for a trial period:

• Visit the Microsoft 365 trial page: Microsoft often provides trial versions of its software through its official website. Look for the Copilot option under the trial sections. Then, you can install Microsoft Copilot.

• Sign up for a trial: Provide the necessary information to set up a trial account. This usually requires entering details about your organization and your role.

• Test Copilot features: Once the trial is activated, test the various features of Copilot across the supported Microsoft 365 apps.

• Evaluate the benefits: During the trial, evaluate how Copilot helps streamline operations and increase productivity, and whether it fits into your organizational workflow.

Key functions of Copilot for Microsoft 365 licenses

Microsoft Copilot offers specific tools within Microsoft 365 business applications, all aimed at giving your productivity a serious boost. Here’s how to enable Microsoft Copilot on different platforms.

Copilot in Microsoft Word: Streamlining document creation

When you install Microsoft Copilot on Word, it can be a real timesaver when creating documents. It helps generate text, polish grammar, and even rephrase content so it’s easier to read. 

Just type your prompt or give it a command, and Copilot can write paragraphs, summarize sections, or adjust the tone based on your needs.

If you’re often working on long documents, Copilot can save a lot of time and ensure everything sounds clear and professional. It’s also handy for tailoring content for different audiences, making it easy to switch between formal and casual tones without redoing the whole document.

Copilot in Excel: Empowering data analysis

Understanding how to access Microsoft Copilot in Excel is a great help for diving into data. Whether you need a formula, a trend line, or a full chart, Copilot can handle it, even if you don’t know advanced Excel functions. 

You can ask questions like, “What’s the sales trend for the last quarter?” and Copilot will not only answer but often provide a helpful data visualization.

For anyone who needs quick insights, Copilot in Excel can transform raw data into charts and other visuals, making it easier to make decisions based on real numbers. 

It’s great for professionals who don’t have hours to dig through spreadsheets but still need accurate insights quickly.

Copilot in PowerPoint: Enhancing presentation design

Presentations don’t have to be time-consuming with Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint. Here, Copilot helps generate slide content, suggests layouts, and creates visual summaries. 

It can take key points from a document or spreadsheet and turn them into slides, so you can focus on delivery instead of slide design.

When you install Microsoft Copilot, transforming reports into presentations becomes a breeze. It ensures everything looks professional and stays visually consistent, which is ideal for team meetings and client presentations alike.

Assign Copilot for Microsoft 365 Teams: Improving communication

In Teams, knowing how to access Microsoft Copilot can help streamline group communications. It summarizes conversations, tracks key points, and can even identify action items discussed in meetings. 

After a long meeting, Copilot can summarize what was decided, making it easy for everyone to stay on the same page.

This tool is especially valuable for teams working on complex projects or anyone handling a heavy meeting schedule. It organizes important information and ensures everyone stays aligned on what needs to be done next.

How to enable Microsoft Copilot on Windows and others

To set up and enable Microsoft Copilot, you’ll need a qualifying Microsoft Edge subscription and admin access. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enabling it across your team.

Enabling Windows Copilot in Word

Enabling Copilot in Word is easy with the right steps. First, make sure your subscription includes Copilot access, and as an administrator, head to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to set things up:

1. Assign Copilot licenses: In the Admin Center, assign a Copilot license to each user who will use it in Word.
2. Update Word: Check that Word is updated to the latest version. Copilot works best when the Microsoft 365 apps are up-to-date.
3. Enable Copilot features in Word: Open Word, find the Copilot icon in the toolbar, or activate it under “Add-ins.” Once it’s on, your team can start using Copilot for tasks like editing, drafting, and even formatting text.

With this setup, users can jump right in and use and install Microsoft Copilot to adjust text, create summaries, or modify tones in their documents.

Enabling Copilot usage in Outlook

Microsoft Copilot in Outlook is a fantastic tool for managing email threads, summarizing long conversations, and drafting replies. The process to enable it mirrors that of Word, so you can get it up and running smoothly:

1. Access the Admin Center: Make sure users have the necessary Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses for Outlook.
2. Update Outlook: Make sure Outlook is running the latest version, as Copilot needs the newest updates to function properly.
3. Activate Copilot in Outlook: Open Outlook, look for the Copilot icon in the toolbar and activate it. This allows users to organize email threads, draft responses, and keep action items top-of-mind.

With Copilot enabled in Outlook, email communication becomes more efficient, and users can stay on top of their inboxes without spending hours combing through messages.

How to assign Copilot in Excel

For teams that rely on data, knowing how to access Microsoft Copilot in Excel can simplify complex analysis tasks, suggesting formulas, analyzing trends, and more. Here’s how to enable Microsoft Copilot in Excel:

1. Assign Excel Copilot licenses: Assign the Copilot licenses in the Admin Center to specific Excel users.
2. Update Excel: Confirm that Excel is up-to-date, as Copilot works best on the latest version.
3. Activate Copilot in Excel: Open Excel, locate the Copilot icon and activate it to get started with automated data analysis and formula assistance.

Copilot makes data easier to interpret by generating visuals and performing quick analyses, helping your team make decisions backed by clear, actionable data.

Enabling Microsoft Copilot in Teams

Copilot in Teams is designed to simplify group work, summarizing discussions and tracking action points. Here’s how to install Microsoft Copilot and enable it:

1. Assign Teams Copilot licenses: Ensure licenses are assigned in the Admin Center for users who need Copilot access in Teams.
2. Enable Copilot in Teams settings: Open Teams, go to settings, and find the Copilot option under “Apps” or “Add-ins.” Activate it to use Copilot in meetings.
3. Check compatibility: Ensure Teams is updated to access the latest Copilot features for meeting summaries and action items.

With Copilot in Teams, your team can get real-time meeting insights, follow-up reminders, and recommendations on the next steps to keep projects moving smoothly.

Troubleshooting issues with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365

Now that you understand how to install Microsoft Copilot, here’s a quick guide to fixing the most common issues people experience with the tool.

Issue: Copilot icon not showing up in Microsoft Apps

Sometimes, the Copilot icon might not show up. This is often because Copilot isn’t properly enabled. Admins should check that licenses are assigned correctly and apps are up-to-date. A quick restart can also help the icon appear.

If the issue continues, it may require reaching out to Microsoft support, but most times, confirming that licenses and updates are current will resolve it.

Issue: Copilot not generating content as expected

If Copilot isn’t generating the content you expect, it may not have enough context. Encourage users to rephrase or add more detail to their prompts. Reviewing Microsoft Learn resources can help refine prompts for the best results.

Clear instructions and context can make a big difference, helping Copilot respond accurately, whether it’s in Excel, Word, or Teams.

Issue: Delayed Copilot responses

For delays with Copilot responses, check internet connectivity and make sure the software is updated. Sometimes, delays occur on devices with lower processing power, especially for tasks in Excel or long documents in Word.

When you access Microsoft Copilot, keeping Microsoft 365 apps updated and using higher-performance devices for heavy tasks can significantly improve speed.

How to enable Copilot with the help of AllSafe IT

If you want to get the most out of Microsoft Copilot, having a knowledgeable IT support team is invaluable. AllSafe IT specializes in managed IT services, ensuring all Microsoft 365 applications, including Microsoft Copilot, run seamlessly for your team.

From managing Copilot licenses to ensuring every app functions at peak performance, AllSafe IT has your business covered. Our team provides 24/7 support, resolves issues fast, and ensures you can focus on your business goals rather than troubleshooting. 

With AllSafe IT, your Microsoft 365 tools, including Copilot, will be optimized for efficiency and productivity, allowing your team to focus on what matters most when you install Microsoft Copilot.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I enable Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365?

To enable Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365, ensure your subscription includes access to the Copilot feature. You’ll need to assign Microsoft 365 licenses to users in the Microsoft 365 admin center, confirm each user has the correct Copilot license, and verify compatibility with the latest version of your Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Teams.

Can I use Copilot in Microsoft Teams for productivity?

Yes, Copilot is available in Microsoft Teams, where it enhances productivity by summarizing conversations, tracking action items, and highlighting follow-up points. Make sure each user has a Copilot license assigned in the Microsoft 365 admin center, so they can seamlessly access this feature within Teams and integrate it with other Microsoft 365 applications.

How do I assign a license for Microsoft 365 Copilot?

To assign a Copilot license, go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and navigate to license management. Select the users you wish to assign the Copilot license to, ensuring they can access Copilot across Microsoft 365 apps, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, based on their assigned roles and needs.

What are some Microsoft 365 Copilot features available in popular Microsoft 365 apps?

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers a range of features across Microsoft 365 apps. In Excel, Copilot assists with data analysis and formula generation; in PowerPoint, it supports slide creation with AI-driven content summaries; and in Outlook, it helps organize email threads and drafts quick responses. Copilot for Microsoft 365 ensures enhanced productivity and efficiency across these tools.

How can I access the Copilot in Outlook or Excel?

To access Microsoft Copilot in applications like Excel and Outlook, you need an active Microsoft 365 subscription with a Copilot license assigned in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Once assigned, users can look for the Copilot icon in supported apps like Excel, Teams, and Outlook to start using this feature.

What does Copilot license do in Microsoft PowerPoint?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Copilot assists users with creating slides, formatting layouts, and generating content summaries. This AI-driven tool helps turn key points into professional slides, ensuring a polished and consistent look across presentations. Enabling Copilot in PowerPoint through Microsoft 365 setup can help make presentation tasks simpler and more streamlined.

How do I troubleshoot common issues when using Copilot for Microsoft 365?

If you encounter issues with Copilot for Microsoft 365, first ensure that each user has the correct Copilot license and that all Microsoft 365 apps are updated. For common issues like missing icons, try restarting the app or reassigning licenses in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Additional resources for troubleshooting are available through Microsoft Learn and the Microsoft Purview Portal.