How to Use Copilot in Outlook | 7 Tips You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

Key insights

• Copilot in Outlook uses advanced AI to help users compose emails, summarize attachments, schedule meetings, and manage communication efficiently. Its conversational interface understands your intent and adapts as you work.


• The new Sidebar Chat in classic Outlook for Windows lets you interact with Copilot while reading or writing emails. This side-by-side feature provides instant assistance without switching windows, making your workflow smoother.


• Summarize Attachments quickly with Copilot. It can create concise summaries of PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint files directly within Outlook, saving you time when reviewing large files.


• Mobile Meeting Preparation: On iOS and Android, Copilot automatically gathers and summarizes meeting details, tasks, and documents inside your calendar invites. This ensures you have all relevant information on the go.


• You can use the Schedule with Copilot feature to turn email threads into meeting invitations. Copilot analyzes conversations to draft agendas and titles, adds participants as attendees, and streamlines scheduling—especially on mobile devices.


• Email Drafting & Inbox Management: Copilot drafts professional emails based on context and helps prioritize important messages in your inbox. It also summarizes meetings and highlights action items to keep teams organized in both Outlook and Teams.

Copilot in Outlook: A Game Changer for Email Productivity

A recent video by Office Skills with Amy explores the transformative features of Copilot in Outlook, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant now integrated deeply into the Microsoft 365 suite. As of mid-2025, Copilot offers a robust set of tools designed to streamline email management, scheduling, and meeting preparation. This integration promises to save users significant time, whether they are students, teachers, project managers, or business owners.

The video outlines practical tips for leveraging Copilot, highlighting both new and lesser-known features. By focusing on real-world scenarios, Amy demonstrates how Copilot can adapt to different work styles and needs, making it a valuable asset for both beginners and advanced users of Outlook.

Seamless Scheduling and Natural Language Interaction

One of the standout improvements is Copilot’s ability to handle meeting scheduling through natural language conversations. Instead of manually filling out forms, users can now simply chat with Copilot to arrange meetings. The AI checks attendees’ availability, suggests times, drafts agendas, and sends invitations—all within a fluid and intuitive interface.

Moreover, this multiturn conversational experience is not limited to just Outlook on desktops. It extends to the standalone Microsoft 365 Copilot app, ensuring that users can coordinate meetings across devices. The tradeoff here is a reliance on AI’s contextual understanding, which, while powerful, may require users to occasionally clarify details in more complex scenarios.

Efficient Email and Attachment Management

Another key feature is Copilot’s ability to summarize email attachments quickly. Whether dealing with lengthy PDFs, Word documents, or PowerPoint presentations, users can now receive concise overviews without opening each file. This not only saves time but also helps users focus on the most relevant information.

However, relying on AI-generated summaries means users must trust that important details are not overlooked. While this automation accelerates workflows, it also introduces challenges in quality control, especially when documents contain nuanced or sensitive information.

Mobile Enhancements and Meeting Preparation

Copilot’s integration with Outlook on iOS and Android has introduced real-time meeting preparation features. The AI compiles and summarizes meeting-related context, tasks, and documents directly within calendar invites, ensuring that users are always prepared, even when away from their desks. This mobile-first approach supports users who are frequently on the go.

In addition, the “Schedule with Copilot” feature allows organizers to convert email threads into meeting invitations seamlessly. By analyzing conversation history, Copilot drafts meeting titles, agendas, and attendee lists, streamlining the transition from discussion to action. Nevertheless, users must occasionally review and edit these automated suggestions to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Drafting, Inbox Management, and Cross-Platform Support

Copilot’s capabilities extend to drafting professional emails and managing inbox priorities. The AI assists users in composing clear, contextually appropriate messages and helps spotlight the most critical items in crowded inboxes. This reduces email overload and supports better communication within teams.

Furthermore, Copilot provides intelligent meeting summaries and action items in both Outlook and Teams, reinforcing collaboration and accountability. The integration across desktop, mobile, and classic Outlook for Windows—with features like the new sidebar chat—ensures that users can access AI assistance without disrupting established workflows.

Balancing Automation with User Oversight

While Copilot’s advancements offer clear productivity gains, the adoption of AI-driven features presents a balance between convenience and control. Users benefit from automation but must remain attentive to ensure that AI-generated content meets their standards, particularly in professional or sensitive contexts.

Ultimately, the video by Office Skills with Amy demonstrates that Copilot in Outlook is not just about saving time—it’s about empowering users to work smarter, adapt to evolving technology, and maintain oversight as AI becomes an integral part of the modern workplace.

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