tips and tricks
191 TopicsPainful behavior of "slash" ("/") in chat prompts
I know about the /commands (/reset, /help, ...) in Copilot powered applications where hitting "/" triggers auto-completion suggestions. Here we are talking about Copilot chat (Teams or Web app for instance) Each time you hit the "/" key, it pops up a menu inviting you to upload files, preventing you from going on typing until you hit the <esc> key. That's too disruptive. That would be ok if the upload menu what acting like a suggestion -- You may select with arrow keys if you wish, or just go on typing if you just need a "/" in your prompts. Please consider disabling this "feature" or I at least enhancing it so the upload menu is not modal and gets dismissed when you go on typing. Comments positive or negative are welcome, thumbs up too 😉1.6KViews42likes28CommentsHow to start with your Copilot habit
Are you serious about integrating Copilot in your daily flow? But it is hard to stick to it! 🙄 Take a look to these tips. 👇 The trick is to build the Copilot habit A habit, an action that sticks over time. Habits are quite difficult to adopt. One thing is to wish to use Copilot every day. And literally another is to in fact use Copilot every day. At the end of the day, here's the big question: How to get from where you are with Copilot today To where you want to be with Copilot 🎯 1. Pick a fresh start Why? ✅ Fresh starts put you in the right mental state. ✅ They give you permission to reinvent your daily routine. ✅ They help you build on existing habits to adopt new ones. It’s like when the counter resets to 0. It’s like restarting your computer. Suddenly, everything runs more smoothly. 💡 What is a fresh start? September is all about fresh starts. School begins. Summer ends. Fall kicks off. The most popular fresh start is New Years Eve. Fresh starts can be also related to major changes, like moving in to a new apartment. How to use a fresh start? 1️⃣ Set a goal: Think of one area where you want to improve with Copilot. For example, I want to prioritize better so my daily actions align more consistently with my goals. 2️⃣ Choose a fresh start date: Brainstorm upcoming dates that could mark a new chapter with Copilot. How about now the fall kick-off? 🍁 For me, the end of summer signals a new beginning. My fresh start is September 15. 3️⃣ Make it concrete: Write down the new habit you want to build. Good intentions alone won’t create lasting change—they’re easy to forget. By writing your intentions, you are more likely to commit. 2. Formulate your new Copilot habit Behavioral scientists agree on linking a new habit to an existing one makes it easier to adopt. I use James Clear’s Atomic Habits framework to make my habit specific and actionable: “When situation X happens, then I will do Y.” Where X is the trigger, an existing habit already part of your daily flow. Where Y is the new Copilot habit you want to build. Here’s my commitment: 👉 When I open my calendar in the morning, I will use Copilot to identify my top 3 priorities for the day. Here is a simple formular to formulate your new Copilot habit: Formulated habit = your goal + fresh start date + written intentions 3. Make your new habit convenient If Copilot is difficult to access, chances are that you forget to use it. Set you up for success. How? Make it easier for you to use Copilot. Quick access to Copilot is key Currently the quickest way to start chatting with Copilot is pressing Win + C on Windows. At the moment, the easiest way to use M365 Copilot is using the M365 Copilot app on desktop and mobile. Why? The app is pre-installed with Windows. It is pinned to the taskbar by default. It starts when you log in, but minimised. Create the M365 Copilot app shortcut, if you are one of those who prefers to use desktop shortcuts. How? Open the M365 Copilot app >> Click on the ellipses next to your profile pic menu >> Select "Pinning and start" >> Click on "Create desktop shortcut". That's it! Do you have more tips to build your Copilot habit? I would love to hear them all! Hint the comment button and share them 👇Solved255Views7likes8CommentsSupercharge Customer Experiences Integrate Microsoft 365 with Customer Engagement Apps
In today’s digital-first world, seamless collaboration and data visibility are key to delivering superior customer experiences. Many organizations already leverage Microsoft 365 for productivity and collaboration, while also using CRM or customer engagement platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, or others to manage customer interactions. But what if these two worlds could work more closely together? By integrating Microsoft 365 with customer engagement apps, businesses can empower teams, streamline workflows, and deliver more personalized, timely customer interactions—all without leaving their everyday tools. https://dellenny.com/supercharge-customer-experiences-integrate-microsoft-365-with-customer-engagement-apps/88Views6likes2CommentsReasoning Models in Microsoft Copilot: Who’s Doing the Thinking?
In addition to AmeliaHernandez wonderful article "Copilot Chat vsus. Microsoft 365 Copilot What's the difference?". Microsoft Copilot is not a single product – it’s a modular ecosystem powered by a range of different language models (LLMs), depending on where, how, and with which license you're using it. In this post, we’ll walk through which reasoning models are used in Copilot, what they’re best suited for, and why it matters for IT pros, administrators, and business users alike. 🧠 What Is a “Reasoning Model”? Unlike standard text generators, reasoning models are designed to: Combine information from multiple sources Apply logical steps and draw conclusions Respond with contextual awareness Handle structured and unstructured tasks effectively The model chosen by Microsoft impacts: Quality and depth of the output Speed and resource efficiency Ability to analyze or automate tasks Data access and compliance safeguards 🚦 Current Model Usage in Microsoft Copilot 🧑💻 Copilot Chat (for individual, business & enterprise users – without Copilot for M365 add-on) ➡️ Model: OpenAI o1 Used in: The free Copilot version at https://copilot.microsoft.com Microsoft 365 Business & Enterprise plans (Standard use without Copilot add-on) Edge and Bing integration Also powers the “Think Deeper” feature in Copilot Chat This model offers solid everyday performance and decent contextual understanding but is limited in reasoning depth and enterprise grounding. 💼 Microsoft 365 Copilot ➡️ Model: OpenAI o4 Available in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and more. Leverages Microsoft Graph grounding to access user and org data Provides significantly deeper reasoning and structured task handling Ideal for knowledge work, document creation, planning, and more This is Microsoft’s most advanced reasoning model in production 🧪 Copilot Agents e.g., Analyst, Research, Planning tools ➡️ Model: OpenAI o3-mini New agent-based Copilot features use this lightweight model: Optimized for structured, data-driven tasks Supports recurring analysis and planning workflows Can access Graph and recent content, but with focused scope 🔐 Security Copilot (Microsoft Defender etc.) ➡️ Model stack includes: OpenAI GPT-4 Phi-3 (optimized for factual accuracy and speed) Microsoft’s internal Threat Intelligence RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) for contextual enrichment Security Copilot is tailored for security analysts and SOC teams to provide actionable insights, natural language summarization, and risk reasoning. ⚙️ Copilot Studio & Power Platform Copilot ➡️ Uses a combination of: Azure AI Services OpenAI models o1–o4, depending on use case Custom GPTs (via Copilot Studio) Logical reasoning layers and connectors to Dataverse & business apps These solutions are ideal for custom workflows, low-code automation, and industry-specific copilots built by organizations themselves. 📌 Why This Matters 🔍 Microsoft doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all model – it uses the right model for the job. 🧩 The model you get depends on your license, use case, and environment. 🛡 Copilot for M365 (o4) provides strongest contextual reasoning, while lighter models like o1 and o3-mini power more general or task-specific use. Knowing what’s under the hood helps you: Set realistic expectations for your users and leadership Understand licensing impact on capabilities Optimize prompts and workflows for better output Stay compliant by knowing when and how data is accessed 💡 Pro Tip: If you're only using Copilot Chat (o1) via Edge or M365 Business Standard, you might notice less nuanced responses. To unlock full enterprise value, Copilot for Microsoft 365 (with o4) is the model to aim for – especially when working across Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and OneDrive with secure, compliant data access. Do you have real-world experiences or feedback with these models? Let’s connect in the comments!Solved1.4KViews5likes10CommentsCan we enable Copilot in Azure Devops for AI assisted user story and test case generation?
I am currently using Copilot as an enterprise user for github copilot in VSCode and want to have copilot enable in Azure Devops so that it can assist in user story and test case generation. But i am not sure if it's even possible. Please let me know how can i achieve it?311Views5likes0CommentsWhat's difference creating Agent from Copilot page vs from Copilot Studio -> Copilot for M365?
Hello, I am learning about Copilot and was very confused by these two different ways to do it. My understanding is both are "Declarative Agents" which lets the Microsoft 365 Copilot do the most heavy lifting. Method 1. First way is to go to Copilot page and clicking 'Create an Agent' w3 Method 2: Going to Copilot Studio -> Agents -> Copilot for Microsoft 365 -> New Agent (Couldn't find a screenshot) Q1. Anyway, first, I created an Agent using the first Method 1 above, and now I see it on the Copilot page under 'Agents' section. However, when I go to Copilot Studio -> Agents -> Copilot for Microsoft 365, I don't see that Agent there. Is this normal and intended? Q2. Is an Agent created using the Method 1 only available to people who have Copilot license? (as long as they are shared; I see options are only me, anyone in the organization, and specific users in the organization) Q3. Could you please confirm agents created using either way above are both "Declarative Agents"? Sorry for the newbie questions in advance... I took the course MS-4010 and reviewed several posts but still confusing...2.2KViews4likes8CommentsWhen not to purchase Copilot Studio
Copilot agents are everywhere and for everyone. They are experts on a topic, able to talk to other agents, start an automation, and complete tasks for you. Agents can boost team productivity and process efficiency. Productivity dreams may come true with agents. That's how the need to use and create agents increases every day. ✅ Stay calm and read further before making any purchase decision on the M365 admin center. It may save you over 224,64 EUR monthly with a 1-year upfront commitment. 👇 Who can create agents, and how? M365 Copilot licensed users can create agents using Copilot Studio. Although the creation is not available for M365 Copilot non-licensed users, they can add and interact with agents. Nowadays, the easiest way to create Copilot agents is as follows: Use the built-in version of Copilot Studio. Do not start from scratch. Instead, use an agent template like the Prompt Coach to build your own. Why do agents bridge the gap between M365 Copilot licensed and non-licensed users? Agents are an excellent option for providing M365-Copilot non-licensed users access to Copilot capabilities grounded on organizational data. Even if users are not licensed with M365 Copilot, they can benefit from Copilot grounded on organizational data via agents. Can I purchase Copilot Studio? Copilot Studio is a no-code Power Platform tool that allows the creation of Copilot agents. The M365 Copilot add-on license already includes licensing for Copilot Studio. You can find it as Copilot Studio in M365 Copilot. There are 3 different ways to license Copilot Studio: 🤖 Copilot Studio pay-as-you-go meter: 0.01 USD per message (no upfront commitment) 🤖 Copilot Studio message packs: 200 USD per tenant, per month 🤖 Copilot Studio in M365 Copilot: 30 USD per user, per month Nevertheless, there's a product called Microsoft Copilot Studion on the purchase services on M365 Admin Center. I am not quite sure, what this product is for. If you know it, please let me know in the comments. 🛑 The challenge is: Microsoft Copilot Studio on the M365 admin center purchase services can easily be mistaken for Copilot Studio in M365 Copilot. Be cautious!1.2KViews4likes13CommentsHow to create Copilot Agents using the M365 Biz Chat
Users can effortlessly create simple Copilot agents using the no-code agent builder available within BizChat at Microsoft365.com/chat or in Teams. By providing natural language instructions and utilizing grounding documents stored in SharePoint, these agents adhere to the same security and information protection policies as Microsoft 365 Copilot. All installed agents, including plugins, are conveniently located in the right-side pane within Copilot, ensuring a focused and streamlined chat experience.1.2KViews4likes3CommentsRewrite it with Copilot!
Writing is not an easy task, at least not for me. It simply demands time to challenge the complexity of our thought process. Whether you’re drafting a client proposal, refining a team announcement post, or just trying to get rid of the daily pile of emails, the words just don't always come out right the first time. That's where Rewrite with Copilot steps in. This feature, integrated across Microsoft 365 apps, acts like your personal editor — helping you sharpen your message, adjust tone, and even tailor your writing to your audience. It’s not just about fixing grammar. It’s about making your words work. There's a prompt for the most common challenges: Do your colleagues have no time to read a long message? Then select the option "Make it shorter". Or you tried hard, but your message still sounds complicated. Then go for "Simplify". Maybe you need to add more details, then use "Add more detail". Rewrite with Copilot is almost everywhere 🪄 You’ll find “Rewrite with Copilot” in: Outlook: Auto-rewrites, make it shorter or longer, change the tone, and more. Teams: Rewrite or adjust the tone of the message. SharePoint: Edit your text web-part and select "Auto rewrite". Loop: Prompt to Copilot to change the tone, simplify, and make whatever text improvements needed to communicate purposefully in your Loop pages. Edge: Rewrite with Copilot either using the shortcut Alt. + I or selecting your text and clicking on the "Rewrite with Copilot" option of the context menu. Here note that Rewrite with Copilot in Edge is currently not available with your work account, only with personal accounts. That's not all, you can use the feature in MS Forms, Word, PowerPoint, Notepad for Windows, and more! Adoption Tips 1️⃣ AI-generated content may be incorrect. Always verify what Copilot rewrites. 2️⃣ Copilot evolves quickly. If your favorite Microsoft 365 app does not offer the feature yet, it may be different next month. So check regularly for feature updates. 3️⃣ Asking Copilot to rewrite in a language that is not your mother tongue? Try to write sentences that are simple and clear, using straightforward vocabulary, so that the original text does not lead to confusion. Verify the given text with another source. Copy the text and prompt to Copilot: "Help me understand the meaning this text: <Copy your text>" Limitations Copilot might misinterpret your text if the content is ambiguous, grammatically flawed or lacks of context. There could be misunderstandings or inaccuracies for individuals working with "Rewrite" feature if one is working in a language that is not their first language. Rewrite with Copilot is easy to use, be aware that there are small differences from app to app. For example, in MS Teams you access the feature by click on a magic pen icon and not on a Copilot icon. Communication can be challenging. Words don't always align perfectly with our intentions, especially when time is limited. But the good news is, "Rewrite with Copilot" is a great way to support everyday writing processes. Stay curious and give it a try! ***** I write this post in collaboration with sohnash .279Views3likes0CommentsQuick fixes to boost your Copilot responses
Did Copilot disappoint you recently? Who has never complained about Copilot responses? Myself included. You know that moment when you try to get a good Copilot response, and all you get is vague one? Yep. Been there. It’s Not You, It's not Copilot either, It's Your Prompt People tend to treat Copilot like a search engine, but Copilot isn’t a search engine. I know it feels like it should be—type in your query, get a polished answer. Here's the deal: Copilot (and all other LLMs) work with recognizing patterns and context based on your prompts. Copilot does not retrieve information, but generates answers. Copilot relies on the context and specificity of your prompts to generate useful responses. That means vague, lazy prompts are setting it up to give vague responses. If you want great output, you need great input. So let’s talk about how to give Copilot the kind of prompt it can actually work with. 10 Quick Fixes to Boost Your Copilot Responses Write clear prompts: ❌ “Make it better” → ✅ “Summarize in 3 points” Be specific: ❌ “Write an email” → ✅ “Draft a friendly reminder email for project deadline” Be direct: ❌ “Could you try to…” → ✅ “Generate a bulleted list of main takeaways” Give context: ❌ “Draft an email” → ✅ “Draft a response to the client email /<youremail> to apologyse for the delivery delays” Divide to conquer: ❌ “Write a report” → ✅ “Outline the report in sections: intro, analysis, and conclusion” Choose wisely: ❌ Copilot is not equal Copilot. → ✅ Understand the differences between M365 Copilot Chat and M365 Copilot and learn when to use what. I wrote a post about this topic already, here you can find it: Copilot Chats vsus. M365 Copilot: What's the difference? Try rephrasing: ❌ “Try again” → ✅ “Rephrase the sentence” Sometimes, a small word change makes a big difference. Iterate: Unhappy? ✅ If your plan A did not work, go for plan B. You can start a new chat, adjust your initial prompt, and try again! Include web content when relevant: ✅ Enrich your Copilot responses with web content. Toggle on web content like this: Click on the 3 elipses on the top, right corner of Copilot chat in Work mode. Give it another shot! ✅ LLMs are evolving quickly. What it did not work last month, it may work today! Want Copilot to stop disappointing you? Prompt like you mean it. 💡 Got your own favorite Copilot trick? Share it in the comments below.1.3KViews3likes10Comments