Microsoft Copilot Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is an AI-powered conversational assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 environments. It helps users draft content, analyze data, summarize documents, generate images and more through natural language prompts.

Please read the AI Acceptable Use Standard for information about how and when AI may be used.

• On the web at https://microsoft.com/copilot
• In Bing and the Bing mobile app
• In the Copilot sidebar within Microsoft Edge
• Directly in Windows 11 via the Copilot button

Step 1: Make Sure You Have Access

Sign in with your UCO account—Copilot won’t appear if you’re using an unsupported email like Gmail or Yahoo.

Step 2: Open a Supported App

Launch Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or Teams. Look for the Copilot icon—usually in the toolbar or ribbon at the upper right.

Step 3: Start Interacting

Click the Copilot icon to open the assistant pane and type a prompt such as:

• “Summarize this document” (Word)
• “Create a chart from this data” (Excel)
• “Draft a presentation on climate change” (PowerPoint)
• “Write a reply to this email” (Outlook)

Step 4: Refine and Customize

You can ask Copilot to revise, rephrase, or expand its output. For example: “Make this more formal” or “Add bullet points.”

• Make sure your app is updated to the latest version
• Refresh your license: Go to File > Account > Update License
• Check privacy settings: Enable “Connected Experiences” and “Content Analysis”

Within apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, go to the Copilot settings to disable or enable AI assistance as needed.

By default, conversations with Copilot Chat are saved and accessible in your conversation history. You can view, search, and revisit past interactions at any time.

Microsoft will only use your conversations for training generative AI models or personalization if you explicitly opt in.

Conversations are retained for up to 18 months by default. You can delete individual conversations or your entire history whenever you choose. Copied or uploaded files are stored securely for 30 days and then automatically deleted. Uploaded files are not used to train Copilot’s underlying models.

Personalization and Memory

When personalization is enabled, Copilot remembers non-sensitive details you share—such as your name, interests, and ongoing projects—to tailor future responses. Sensitive attributes like age, gender, race, political views, and health status are never used for personalization.

Personalization settings are on by default (where available). You can:

• View and edit what Copilot remembers about you
• Turn personalization off to clear existing memories
• Turn personalization back on to resume tailored experiences

Your personalization choices do not affect whether you receive targeted ads; ad personalization is controlled separately in your Microsoft account settings.

In academic settings, Copilot helps with:

• ✍️ Drafting essays, reports, and presentations
• 📚 Summarizing articles and textbooks
• 🔍 Organizing research and generating citations
• 🧠 Creating study guides and quizzes
• 📊 Analyzing lab data and visualizing results

Copilot can:

• Help brainstorm topics and keywords
• Summarize academic papers
• Organize sources and generate citations
• Assist with literature reviews and data analysis

It’s best used alongside academic databases for thorough research.

It can assist with:

• 📝 Generating reference lists
• 📖 Formatting citations in styles like APA or MLA
• ⚠️ But always verify accuracy—Copilot may not access paywalled sources or apply styles perfectly

Where can I learn more?
Explore Microsoft’s Study Smarter with Copilot guide for students, or check your institution’s IT site for access details.

• Unlimited daily queries with priority
• Advanced reasoning and deep-thinking models
• Large dataset access

Internet Dependency
Copilot relies heavily on a stable internet connection.
Poor connectivity can lead to lag, incomplete responses, or reduced functionality.

Query Limits
UCO’s standard version of Copilot is limited to approximately 15 complex queries per day. When the daily limit is reached, the user must wait until the following day for the daily limit to reset. Copilot Pro subscriptions are available for power users and follow a cost recovery model. Please consult your department leadership if you are interested.

Image Generation Restrictions
Users without a Copilot license may be limited to one image per day.
No refinements or tweaks allowed after the first generation.

Quality of Output
AI-generated content may be generic, inaccurate, or lack nuance.
Always review and edit before using it in professional or academic settings.

Limited Customization
Copilot may not adapt well to niche workflows or specialized organizations.
Outputs can feel “one-size-fits-all” without deeper personalization.

Bias and Ethical Issues
Like all AI, Copilot can reflect biases in its training data.
This may result in skewed or inappropriate suggestions if not monitored.

Integration Challenges
Some legacy systems or third-party apps may not play nicely with Copilot.
Setup and training may require extra time and technical support.