Get started with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365

Article
11/28/2023

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered productivity tool that uses large language models (LLMs) and integrates your data with the Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 Apps. It works alongside popular Microsoft 365 Apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. Copilot provides real-time intelligent assistance, enabling users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills. This article covers the technical requirements to access and configure Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Prerequisites for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365

Before you can access Copilot, you must meet these requirements:

The following applications must be deployed for your users, which seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and other applications:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Exchange

To get started with the implementation process, see Deployment guide for Microsoft 365 Apps.

OneDrive Account You need to have a OneDrive account for several features within Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, such as saving and sharing your files. For more information, see Sign in or create an account for OneDrive.
New Outlook for Windows For seamless integration of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 with Outlook, you are required to use the new Outlook for Windows, currently in preview. You can switch to Outlook Mobile to access the new Outlook experience. For more information, see Getting started with the new Outlook for Windows.
Microsoft Teams To use Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams, you must use the Teams desktop client or web client. You can download the desktop client here or sign into the web app at https://teams.microsoft.com. Both the current and the new version of Teams are supported. For more information, see Microsoft Teams desktop client.
Microsoft Loop To use Copilot in Microsoft Loop, you must have Loop enabled for your tenant. For more information on enabling Loop, see Get started with Microsoft Loop.
Microsoft Whiteboard To use Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Whiteboard, you must have Whiteboard enabled for your tenant. To learn more about Microsoft Whiteboard, see Manage access to Microsoft Whiteboard for your organization.

Important

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 will follow Microsoft 365 Apps' standard practice for deployment and updates, being available in all update channels, except for Semi-annual channel. Preview channels include Insiders, Current Channel - Preview and Beta Channel. Production channels include Current Channel and then Monthly Enterprise Channel.

Once generally available on 11/1, Copilot will be in Current Channel, and starting December 12, on Monthly Enterprise Channel. As always, preview channels are a great option to validate the product before rolling out to the rest of organization. To learn more, see To learn more, see Overview of update channels, and the Microsoft 365 Insider channels.

Manage licenses for Copilot

You can manage Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 licenses from the Microsoft 365 admin center. You can assign licenses to individual users or to groups of users, as well as reassign licenses to other users.

To access license management in the Microsoft 365 admin center, go to Billing > Licenses.

You can also assign licenses in bulk to groups of users through the Azure admin center or assign licenses to users with PowerShell. For more information, see Assign Microsoft 365 licenses to users.

Security and privacy

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 ensures data security and privacy by adhering to existing obligations and integrating with your organization's policies. It utilizes your Microsoft Graph content with the same access controls as other Microsoft 365 services. To learn more about privacy with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, see Data, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Privacy settings for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise

Review your privacy settings for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise because those settings might have an effect on the availability of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 features. For more information, see Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and policy settings for connected experiences.