Microsoft Copilot in Outlook transforms the way you manage email by integrating artificial intelligence (AI). This introduction to Copilot in Microsoft Outlook introduces you to the comprehensive features and capabilities that help you optimize email communication, scheduling, and organization. Copilot combines the power of technology with ease of use and assists you in managing your inbox, drafting emails, and automating recurring tasks. Discover how you can use Copilot for Outlook as your personal AI assistant for email management.
Features of Copilot in Outlook
With Microsoft Copilot in Outlook, you have access to various features, including:
- Drafting email drafts: Let Copilot help you write your emails.
- Replying to emails: Respond to emails using (suggested) prompts in Copilot.
- Summarizing threads: Summarize long email threads to quickly grasp the essence or key points.
- Coaching for writing emails: Get feedback on the tone, clarity, and sentiment of your email drafts.
- Managing your inbox: Gain quick control of your inbox by prioritizing emails and generating summaries.
- Translating emails: Ask Copilot to quickly translate emails into the desired language.
How Copilot in Outlook works
Important: Copilot is currently only available in the new Outlook for Windows, the web version, and Outlook.com. If you are still using the classic Outlook, switch to the latest version.
Drafting new emails
To use Copilot in Outlook to draft emails, start by composing a new email. In the toolbar, click the Copilot icon and then click “Draft with Copilot.” Next, type your prompt and let Copilot generate an email draft. Once the email draft is generated, you can keep it, delete it, or have it regenerated. Click on your prompt, which is bold and blue, to adjust it or click on “Options” to modify the desired length and tone of voice.
Replying to Emails
Just like drafting new emails, you can also reply using Copilot in Outlook. Open the email you want to reply to, click the Copilot icon, and then click “Reply with Copilot”. Follow the same steps as when drafting a new email.
Generating summaries
Let Copilot easily summarize emails or email threads. Open the email and click ‘Summarize by Copilot‘ at the top, or click the Copilot icon in the email and select ‘Summarize.’ Copilot will then scan your email and provide a brief summary.
Note: For long email threads, some messages may not be included in the summary due to limitations in the amount of data that can be given to the LLMs. In that case, users may receive a notification that the summary does not include the entire thread.
Email coaching
In addition to writing emails or summarizing them, Copilot in Outlook can also help you refine your email through Coaching. In the toolbar of your email draft, click the Copilot icon and click “Coaching by Copilot”. Copilot will assess your draft and provide feedback on the tone, clarity, and reader sentiment. Incorporate the feedback into your email draft and have it re-evaluated or send the email once you are satisfied with the result.
Some prompts to try in Copilot for Outlook:
- “Write a reply to Jeroen and make it sound like I write.”
- “Summarize this email conversation.”
- “Write an email congratulating my team on the Q2 sales figures.”
- “Write a reply informing the customer that the shipment is delayed by 2 weeks due to a container ship being delayed by customs.”
- “Let the team know that we’ve decided to launch a discount campaign for the project and that we need to move forward to meet the deadline.”
- “Write a reply in French to inform the customer that ‘1234567890’ is the tracking number for the shipment.”
- “Write an email based on the notes from the weekly meeting.”
