Copilot 365 Chat: Step-by-Step Guide

Key insights

• Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity by assisting users in writing, analyzing, and creating content efficiently.


• The tool supports multiple functions such as generating text, providing feedback, creating presentations, analyzing documents, and even generating images using DALL·E 3.


• Step-by-step guidance: Tutorials offer instructions on using Copilot Chat with prompts for tasks like writing and document comparison.


• Prompt gallery and templates: Users can access a gallery of prompts and save templates to streamline repetitive tasks.


• Integration with Microsoft 365: The chat works best with work or school accounts, integrating seamlessly within Microsoft tools.


• Recent updates include enhanced agent mode allowing Copilot Chat to browse web pages and create tailored PowerPoint presentations from online content.

Anders Jensen [MVP] has released a new step-by-step YouTube tutorial aimed at beginners exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. The video walks viewers through the fundamental features and offers practical advice on how to get the most out of the AI-powered assistant. By covering both Work mode and Web mode, Jensen explains the differences and demonstrates when to use each for maximum productivity.

Introduction to Copilot 365 Chat

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is designed to help users work smarter, not harder. It integrates directly into Microsoft 365 apps, providing AI-driven assistance for writing, editing, and creating content. In his tutorial, Jensen emphasizes how beginners can quickly start using the tool without feeling overwhelmed. The lesson also explores how Copilot combines features like semantic search, file grounding, and scheduling prompts to perform tasks efficiently.

According to the video, the ability to ground requests in specific files or meetings makes the AI’s responses more relevant. This enhances the accuracy of the results and reduces the need for follow-up queries. However, he also notes that new users should experiment with different prompt styles to find what works best for their workflow.

Understanding Work Mode vs. Web Mode

One of the main takeaways from Jensen’s breakdown is the difference between Work and Web modes. Work mode is ideal for tasks involving internal company files, emails, or meetings. On the other hand, Web mode excels when a user needs to search the internet for up-to-date information or reference public sources. These modes are not interchangeable, and selecting the right one determines how effective the AI can be.

This distinction presents a tradeoff: Work mode offers richer context for organizational tasks but cannot access live internet updates, while Web mode is versatile in retrieving real-time data but lacks deep access to internal systems. Users need to strike a balance between the two based on their immediate objectives.

Key Features and Practical Benefits

The tutorial highlights several standout features. Jensen demonstrates the prompt gallery, where users can store and reuse effective prompts. This feature speeds up repetitive tasks and ensures consistent quality in responses. He also shows how semantic search allows Copilot to pinpoint relevant information quickly, making it easier to navigate large sets of data or documents.

Another notable capability is multi-functionality. Copilot can summarize lengthy reports, draft well-structured emails, create branded presentations, and even identify action items from meeting transcripts. These abilities position it as a comprehensive assistant, not just a writing tool. However, Jensen warns that over-relying on automated outputs without reviewing them can introduce inaccuracies, especially for business-critical work.

Recent Updates and Expanding Capabilities

The video also touches on new features introduced in 2025. One of the most significant is the enhanced agent mode, which allows Copilot to browse web pages for research, extract content, and even generate PowerPoint presentations based on source materials. Additionally, improved user experience features now enable saving chats to Copilot Pages for team access, making collaboration easier.

While these updates expand the tool’s usefulness, they can also create challenges for newcomers. More features mean a steeper learning curve, requiring users to dedicate time to understanding each function. Jensen suggests gradually incorporating these tools into daily routines instead of trying to master everything at once.

Conclusion

Overall, Anders Jensen’s tutorial presents Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat as a powerful yet approachable AI assistant. For beginners, the key is to start small—learning prompt creation, switching between modes, and testing semantic search—before moving on to advanced features. The growing set of capabilities and integrations shows Microsoft’s commitment to making Copilot an essential productivity partner. Nevertheless, achieving optimal results requires thoughtful use and a clear understanding of when automated assistance adds value versus when human judgment is essential.

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