Copilot FAQs

Copilot Chat

How do I access Copilot Chat? 

  • On the web at microsoft.com/copilot
  • In Bing and the Bing mobile app
  • In the Copilot sidebar in Edge
  • In Windows 11

What are the advantages of Copilot Chat? 

Copilot Chat, which is part of UMB’s Microsoft license and available for campus faculty, staff and students, is a more secure alternative to consumer tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

What can Copilot Chat do? 

Employees can use Copilot to generate text or images, analyze or compare data, summarize documents, learn new skills, write code and more. Instructors can use Copilot to personalize learning, plan a lesson, brainstorm, tutor, communicate, and improve efficiency.

Why does Copilot Chat offer stronger security? 

When you log in with your UMID and password, you’ll see a green “protected” label in the upper righthand corner. When you are logged in, Microsoft encrypts your queries and does not use them to train its AI.

Where can I learn more? 

Explore Microsoft's resources for Copilot Chat, including:

Copilot for Microsoft 365

What is Copilot for Microsoft 365? 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It helps users automate tasks, generate content, and enhance productivity by offering intelligent suggestions based on natural language input.

How can I access Copilot for Microsoft 365? 

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based, annual subscription service that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams for users with the appropriate licenses. You can leverage AI-driven features directly within each supported app by locating the Copilot icon in the toolbar or accessing built-in AI functionality.

What applications support Copilot for Microsoft 365? 

The Microsoft 365 Copilot annual subscription is currently integrated with:

  • Word: Generate content, summarize text, and provide writing assistance.
  • Excel: Analyze data, create formulas, and visualize information.
  • PowerPoint: Create slides, provide design suggestions, and summarize key points.
  • Outlook: Draft emails, summarize long threads, and manage calendars.
  • Teams: Summarize meetings, suggest action items, and manage tasks.

Is Copilot for Microsoft 365 safe to use for sensitive data? 

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to respect the privacy and security policies of Microsoft 365. However, it is important to avoid sharing highly sensitive or personal data through Copilot, such as passwords or confidential student information, to ensure compliance with UMB’s data privacy policies. 

How is Copilot for Microsoft 365 different from other AI tools?  

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 applications and is designed to enhance productivity by understanding and responding to the context within these tools. It is purpose-built for business and education use cases, making it different from more general-purpose AI chatbots.

Where can I learn more? 

Explore Microsoft’s resources for Copilot for Microsoft 365 including: