5 Microsoft Copilot Tips and Tricks to Get Great Results

Unlocking the Full Potential of Microsoft Copilot

Whether you’re new to Copilot or looking to maximise its capabilities, understanding the best practices is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore five essential tips and tricks to help you get the best results from Microsoft Copilot.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign in to access advanced features and remove limitations.
  • Craft detailed prompts for more accurate and useful outputs.
  • Use Copilot within Microsoft Edge for enhanced integration and context-aware assistance.
  • Engage in ongoing conversations to refine results.
  • Always verify information provided by Copilot for accuracy.

Understanding Microsoft Copilot

Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to understand what Microsoft Copilot is. Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into various Microsoft applications, designed to help users accomplish tasks more efficiently. Whether you’re drafting emails, generating reports, or brainstorming ideas, Copilot can assist with a wide range of functions. By leveraging AI, Copilot can automate repetitive tasks, provide insights, and even create content based on user inputs.

Tip 1: Always Sign In for the Best Experience

Unlocking Advanced Features

While Microsoft Copilot can be accessed without signing in, doing so restricts many of its features. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, you gain access to unlimited conversations and the ability to store and personalise your interactions. Without signing in, you’re limited to just five prompts per day, which can be a significant hindrance if you’re relying on Copilot for regular tasks.

Signing in also allows Copilot to retain conversation history, enabling it to learn from past interactions and provide more tailored responses. This is particularly useful in professional settings where continuity and consistency in AI-generated content are essential.

Different Subscription Levels

Copilot offers various subscription levels, each with different capabilities:

  • Copilot Free: Available without signing in, offering limited features.
  • Copilot with Microsoft Account: Unlocks full potential with unlimited prompts and personalisation.
  • Copilot Pro: A premium subscription for individuals requiring more advanced features.
  • Copilot with Commercial Data Protection: Ensures that all data and conversations remain secure within an organisation.

For business users, signing in with a work account provides enhanced security and data protection, making it the preferred option for enterprise environments.

Tip 2: Crafting Effective Prompts

What is a Prompt?

A prompt is the command or request you give to Microsoft Copilot to perform a task. Whether it’s generating content, answering questions, or creating images, the quality of the prompt directly affects the output. The more detailed and specific the prompt, the better the results Copilot will deliver.

Elements of a Good Prompt

Microsoft recommends incorporating four key elements into your prompts:

1 – Goal: Clearly define what you want Copilot to accomplish. For example, “Generate a 1000-word report on the Australian economy.”

2 – Context: Provide context about the task, such as the target audience or the purpose of the content.

3 – Source: Specify any particular sources or types of information you want Copilot to use, like articles or industry reports.

4 – Expectation: Set clear expectations for the output, such as using real-world examples or focusing on certain aspects of a topic.

Examples of Detailed Prompts

Here’s an example of a detailed prompt:

  • “Craft a 1500-word blog post for SEO experts on the impact of AI in financial services, using articles and real-world examples, and conclude with a reflection on the future of AI in the industry.”

This prompt provides Copilot with a clear goal, context, source, and expectation, ensuring that the output is relevant and meets your needs.

Balancing Simplicity and Detail

While it’s important to provide detail, you don’t always need to spend excessive time crafting the perfect prompt. The key is to find a balance that allows Copilot to understand your needs without making the process cumbersome. As you become more familiar with Copilot, you’ll develop a sense of how much information to include in your prompts to get the desired results quickly.

Tip 3: Utilise Copilot in Microsoft Edge

Enhanced Integration with Edge

Microsoft Edge offers a unique integration with Copilot that provides additional benefits not available in other browsers. When you use Copilot in Edge, it can access and utilise the context of the web pages or documents you’re viewing. This context-aware capability allows Copilot to deliver more relevant and accurate results based on the content currently displayed in your browser.

Using the Compose Bar in Edge

The Compose Bar in Microsoft Edge allows you to adjust the tone, format, and length of the content generated by Copilot. Whether you need a professional tone for an email or a casual tone for a chat message, the Compose Bar makes it easy to tailor the output to your specific needs.

Practical Applications of Edge Integration

For instance, if you’re working on a lengthy report and need a summary, you can simply ask Copilot in Edge to summarise the page. Copilot will then provide a concise summary based on the content of the page, saving you time and effort.

Tip 4: Keep the Conversation Going

Refining Results through Continuous Interaction

One of the most powerful aspects of Microsoft Copilot is its ability to engage in ongoing conversations. Copilot learns and improves as you provide more input, so don’t hesitate to ask for alternative responses or revisions. If the initial output isn’t exactly what you were looking for, keep interacting with Copilot to refine the results.

For example, if you ask Copilot to generate an image or a piece of text and it doesn’t meet your expectations, provide additional details or clarify your request. This iterative process allows Copilot to understand your needs better and deliver more accurate results.

Examples of Continuous Refinement

Imagine you’ve asked Copilot to create an image of a dog playing at the beach, but you realise you want a specific breed, such as a labrador. Simply tell Copilot to adjust the image accordingly. You can continue this conversation until the output aligns with your vision, such as adding a background or altering the scene’s elements.

Similarly, when generating text, if Copilot’s first attempt isn’t perfect, guide it with additional instructions. This might involve changing the tone, rephrasing certain parts, or adding more context. The key is to view Copilot as a collaborative tool rather than a one-time solution.

Maximising Productivity with Iterative Feedback

By keeping the conversation going, you maximise your productivity and ensure that the final output truly reflects your needs. This is particularly valuable in professional environments, where the quality and accuracy of AI-generated content can significantly impact your work.

Tip 5: Always Check for Accuracy

Understanding Copilot’s Limitations

While Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI tool, it’s important to remember that it’s not infallible. Copilot generates responses based on the vast amount of information available on the internet, which means it can occasionally produce inaccurate or outdated information. Therefore, always verify the content generated by Copilot, especially when dealing with critical or sensitive data.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

One of the most common issues with AI-generated content is the potential for hallucinations, where the AI fabricates information that isn’t accurate or true. Copilot is usually far more accurate and reliable than other AI’s but it can still make a mistaken every now and then.

Best Practices for Verifying Information

To ensure the accuracy of Copilot’s outputs:

  • Cross-check the information with reliable sources. For text-based outputs, compare the generated content against trusted websites, academic journals, or other authoritative resources.
  • Use Copilot in conjunction with your expertise. If you’re knowledgeable in a particular area, use Copilot as a starting point or a supplement to your own insights, rather than relying on it exclusively.
  • Be cautious with specific or sensitive data. Avoid using Copilot for tasks that require high levels of precision or confidentiality, as the AI’s outputs may not always be reliable.

By incorporating these best practices, you can minimise the risk of errors and ensure that the content generated by Copilot meets your standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 – What is the difference between the free and paid versions of Microsoft Copilot?

The free version of Microsoft Copilot offers limited functionality, such as a cap on daily prompts and restricted access to advanced features. By signing in with a Microsoft account, you unlock additional capabilities, including unlimited prompts, personalised experiences, and access to advanced features like plugin support and image creation. Paid versions like Copilot Pro and the enterprise-level Copilot with Commercial Data Protection provide even more features tailored to specific needs, such as enhanced security and data privacy.

2 – How can I improve the quality of Copilot’s outputs?

To enhance the quality of the content generated by Copilot, focus on crafting detailed and specific prompts. Include clear goals, context, sources, and expectations in your prompts. For example, instead of asking Copilot to “write an article,” specify the length, audience, and key points to cover. The more information you provide, the better the output will be.

3 – What should I do if Copilot doesn’t understand my prompt?

If Copilot’s initial response doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to refine your prompt and try again. Clarify your request, provide additional details, or rephrase your question. Keeping the conversation going helps Copilot better understand your needs and improves the quality of the output.

4 – Is it safe to use Microsoft Copilot with sensitive company data?

For sensitive company data, it’s recommended to use Microsoft Copilot with Commercial Data Protection, available in certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions. This version ensures that your data remains within the organisation, is not saved or shared on the web, and is not used to train the AI model. Always use the appropriate version of Copilot for handling sensitive or confidential information.

Find out some of the latest updates from Microsoft: Microsoft’s Latest Features: What’s New and What’s Coming Up (365mechanix.com)