How to use Copilot AI in MS Word and Excel: A step-by-step guide

MIcrosoft Copilot

Curious about how to use Copilot in MS Word and Excel? As a part of Microsoft's extensive Microsoft’s AI offerings, this generative AI application has the capability to enhance workflows. Whether you need assistance in crafting engaging documents or aid in summarising content, Copilot can be of help.

Step 1: Open a new blank document.

Step 2: In the "Draft with Copilot" section, enter your prompt by typing or pasting it. For example, you can input "Create a proposal for a new flavour to be added to the Fourth Coffee latte lineup."

Step 3: Click on "Generate," and Copilot will automatically generate new content based on your prompt.

Step 4: Once Copilot generates the content, you can choose to keep it by selecting "Keep," regenerate the results by clicking on the regenerate icon, discard the content using the discard icon, or refine the draft by entering specific instructions into the compose box (e.g., "Make it more concise").

Note: Copilot for Microsoft 365 creates a draft, and it's important to review and adjust details to ensure accuracy and alignment with your tone and style.

If the generated draft doesn't meet your expectations or if Copilot couldn't complete the task, consider refining your prompt by adding specific details like "...for the holiday latte lineup." You can also fine-tune the result by entering specific instructions into the compose box within Copilot's options bar after a response is generated.

Step 1: Open Excel and the database you want to work on.

Step 2: Click on the Copilot ribbon icon located in the top-right corner of the screen. If prompted, enable Autosave by clicking the green button that appears, as it's required to use Copilot in Excel.

Step 3: Choose the portion of your data that you want Copilot to interact with. You can select a range of cells by clicking and dragging with your mouse (or tapping and dragging with your finger). Alternatively, hold down the Shift key and select multiple cells to choose a specific range.

Step 4: To select individual data points for interaction, hold down the Ctrl key and click on each data point you want to include.

Step 5: Click on the chat box labelled "Ask a question or make a request about data in a table," and then type in your request or question.

Step 6: You can start with a general question like "How can Copilot assist me?" to learn more about its capabilities, or be more specific by asking Step Step 7:Copilot to create a graph from your data, organise it in a certain way, or identify any interesting insights.

Step 8: Press Enter or click the arrow icon in the chat window to submit your query or request.

Step 9: Allow a few moments for Copilot to process your request and provide a response.

Step 10: Based on Copilot's response, you can follow up with additional prompts based on your intuition, or use the prompt book within the chat window for inspiration.

Note: To access Copilot in Excel, you must have a subscription to the Copilot Pro plan, which includes a free trial period.

The Copilot Pro subscription allows you to use the tool within the online, free versions of Microsoft 365 Office applications, such as Excel. If you wish to use Copilot in the offline version, you'll also require a subscription to Microsoft 365 or access through a free trial.

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