Why does Copilot waste SOOOOO MUCH OF MY TIME TELLING ME IT'S GOING TO DO SOMETHING. . . THEN DOESN'T???

Question

I've tried to be patient, but it's been like working with a 5 year old! I just wanted it to create a fairly simple spreadsheet in excel. . . with some formulas, named ranges . . it came up with the structure (4 or 5 tabs with the correct factors and general structure, but it could never get anything to function. . actually work. . . it sent me down so many rabbit holes fixing/adjusting one named range, only to break another and changing a formula, only to have that result in circular references! When I ask it why it makes so many mistakes, it just says sorry, and then it says it can't even create or download/attach excel sheets in chats!!! It's the most frustrating piece of crap to work with on anything!!!!! Microsoft. . MOD removed unneeded info

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing significant frustration with Microsoft Copilot's performance in Excel. Issues like incorrect formulas, named ranges not functioning as expected, and circular references can indeed be very aggravating.

Several factors might contribute to these problems:

1. Complexity of Tasks: While Copilot can assist with creating structures and suggesting formulas, it may struggle with more complex tasks or specific requirements, leading to errors.
2. Limitations of Copilot: Copilot has certain limitations in its capabilities, especially when it comes to generating fully functional spreadsheets or handling intricate Excel features. It may not always be able to create or download attachments as expected.
3. User-Based Licensing: Ensure that you are using a user-based license, as Copilot may not function properly with device-based licensing or if you're using a personal account instead of a work or school account.
4. Internet Connectivity: A stable internet connection is essential for Copilot to function correctly, as it relies on cloud services.

If you're encountering persistent issues, it may be helpful to check for updates or reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide more tailored help based on your specific situation.

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References:

• Copilot is missing, disabled, or doesn't work correctly
• FAQ about Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales

Answer 2

This is a classic example of how AI Chatbots work. In an effort to be helpful, they become overly helpful, and make false assumptions. This making false assumptions was actually intended when AI was developing, to avoid people being said 'no' to when actually the person was right.

Basically, its worse if AI tells a person a true assumption is false, then a false assumption is true.

Most of the time, AI will agree that it can do things that it cannot do if you try to get it to say so. Then, when you ask "ok do it," it refuses with the old "sorry". I get it. Annoys most people.

Many people have run into this. I have several times, and Copilot is not the only AI that is doing it.

If you want to avoid it:

Ask Copilot to add this to memory:

If you are not 100% certain about something, say “I’m not sure” instead of guessing. 
Do not invent details.  
Explain your reasoning step by step, and point out anything you’re unsure about.

If you want to erase it, just ask Copilot to remove it. If your memory is off, go to Profile > Settings > Memory, and turn it on.

You must be signed in to use memory.

Don't be too afraid of this. It never adds random things to your memory unless you explicitly ask. In addition, you can manage your memory at any time.

Pasting that at the start of every chat also helps eliminate the over-helpfulness of AI.

Companies have acknowledged that their AI tools do this on purpose. They are currently working on AI that will actually be correct, but remember: the process is slow, and going too fast could lead to AI telling people that true facts are false, which is worse than it stating that false facts are true.