Microsoft Copilot: Personalized Power with Memory & Custom Steps

Key insights

• Copilot Memory lets you save specific preferences, such as writing style or email length, so Copilot can remember and use them in future tasks. You must tell Copilot what to remember, and you can view, edit, or delete these memories anytime.
  
• Custom Instructions allow you to set rules for how Copilot should respond or format outputs, like using a formal tone or creating icon-sized images. These instructions help avoid repeating your preferences every time.
  
• User Control and Privacy are central features. You choose what Copilot remembers, can change or remove memories at any time, and can turn off the memory function if desired through privacy settings.
  
• Efficiency and Personalization improve because Copilot adapts its responses and suggestions based on your saved information and instructions. This reduces repeated input and tailors support to your needs.
  
• IT Management is supported with tenant-level controls for organizations. IT admins can manage how Memory works across a business for better governance.
  
• Availability of Memory Feature: Microsoft announced this new feature in summer 2025 for Microsoft 365 Copilot users. It is currently in preview mode and will soon be available to everyone, offering a more personal AI assistant that learns over time.
  

Introduction: Personalizing Microsoft Copilot with Memory and Custom Instructions

Microsoft Copilot has evolved into a more personalized digital assistant with the introduction of the Memory and Custom Instructions features. In a recent video tutorial by Office Skills with Amy, viewers learn how these tools can transform their daily workflows within Microsoft 365. Amy’s approachable style makes the technology accessible for everyone—from students to business owners—highlighting the value of these new capabilities for a variety of users.

As organizations seek to maximize efficiency while maintaining user privacy, these features promise to streamline repetitive tasks and adapt Copilot to individual working styles. However, integrating such personalization also brings challenges, including balancing convenience with security and organizational management.

Understanding Copilot Memory: How It Works

The Memory feature in Microsoft Copilot enables the assistant to retain details that users explicitly want it to remember. For instance, if you prefer concise emails or favor bullet points in documents, you can instruct Copilot to store these preferences. This stored information is then used to make future interactions more relevant, reducing the need to repeat instructions.

Importantly, Copilot will only remember details after receiving explicit commands, ensuring that user control remains at the forefront. Users receive clear notifications whenever their memory is updated, and they can view, edit, or delete these entries through the Copilot settings pane. For those concerned about privacy, there is also an option to disable the Memory feature entirely, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

The Role and Benefits of Custom Instructions

Alongside Memory, Custom Instructions allow users to set guidelines for how Copilot responds or formats its output. For example, users might instruct Copilot to always use a formal tone or keep reports concise. Once set, these instructions help ensure that every Copilot interaction aligns with the user’s preferences without the need to restate them each time.

The advantages of combining Memory and Custom Instructions are clear. Users benefit from increased efficiency, as repetitive inputs are minimized and suggestions become more tailored to ongoing projects. Moreover, the ability to review, adjust, or remove stored preferences at any time ensures that users maintain full control over their data and experience.

Managing Privacy and Organizational Controls

A significant consideration with these new features is privacy and IT governance. Memory is enabled by default, but users and administrators have robust controls to manage what is stored. Individuals can adjust their privacy settings or disable Memory entirely if they prefer not to have any information retained.

From an organizational standpoint, IT administrators are given tenant-level management options. This allows businesses to set policies and governance rules that align with their internal requirements, striking a balance between empowering users and maintaining oversight.

Availability, Tradeoffs, and Practical Use Cases

Microsoft announced the Memory capability in Copilot during the summer of 2025, and it is currently available in preview for Microsoft 365 Copilot users. This marks a noteworthy shift from AI tools that simply execute queries to assistants that learn and adapt over time. The potential productivity gains are significant, but there are tradeoffs to consider.

On one hand, these features greatly reduce repetitive work and personalize the user experience. On the other hand, organizations must address concerns related to privacy, data retention, and administrative control. Striking the right balance between personalization and security is crucial for successful adoption.

Conclusion: A New Era for Personalized Productivity

In summary, the Memory and Custom Instructions features in Microsoft Copilot represent a major step forward in creating a user-controllable and highly personalized AI assistant. As outlined by Office Skills with Amy, these tools empower users to customize their digital workspace, streamline everyday tasks, and maintain strong privacy protections.

With general availability expected soon, these features are set to redefine how professionals interact with Microsoft 365, making productivity tools smarter and more responsive to individual needs. However, as with any new technology, careful attention to privacy and governance will be key to realizing their full potential.

Keywords

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