Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family

Microsoft announced (Jan 2025) that Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. This remarkable AI-driven productivity tool seamlessly integrates into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, bringing an array of features that significantly enhance productivity. In this article, we will explore various aspects of Copilot+, including its intelligent assistance capabilities, how it enhances user experience across different applications, and the various plans available to suit different needs. Whether you're a casual user, a business professional, or a developer, there’s something for everyone.

TL:DR – Microsoft 365 Copilot serves as more than just an assistant; it revolutionises the way we interact with work tools. Are you curious about how Copilot streamlines your workflows and makes tasks more manageable? Read on to discover how this innovative feature can benefit your everyday operations, and note that some plans are free.

The Core Features of Microsoft 365 Copilot

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a look at the main features of Microsoft 365 Copilot that set it apart from traditional productivity tools. The following sections will elaborate on how these features specifically enhance user productivity. Most Microsoft 365 subscribers will now have access to Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 

Real-Time Intelligence

One of the standout features of Microsoft 365 Copilot is its real-time intelligence capabilities. By leveraging advanced algorithms and user data, Copilot can understand your context and provide relevant suggestions almost instantly. For example, in Word, if you’re drafting a letter, Copilot can suggest phrases, corrections, or even summarize previous similar documents. This feature not only saves time but ensures that the content generated is coherent and contextually appropriate.

Integration with Microsoft Graph

Another essential aspect of Microsoft 365 Copilot is its integration with Microsoft Graph. This allows Copilot to pull information not just from individual applications but across the entire Microsoft 365 suite. It can access emails, chat histories, documents, and more, making it capable of delivering a holistic view of your work environment. For example, while preparing a presentation in PowerPoint, Copilot can reference emails and meetings to draw relevant data, reducing the time spent searching for information. This seamless integration fosters better decision-making and enhances workflow efficiency.

Context-Specific Support

The ability of Copilot to provide context-specific support is another feature worth noting. Depending on which application you’re using, Copilot will tailor its suggestions accordingly. In Excel, it can assist with complex calculations or data visualisations, while in Teams, it helps summarise discussions and suggests action points. This specificity ensures that you receive assistance that is directly applicable to your current task, making Copilot an invaluable partner in various work scenarios.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Microsoft 365 Copilot uses Natural Language Processing techniques to allow users to interact more naturally with the software. Instead of needing to navigate through menus and commands, users can simply ask questions or make requests in plain language. For instance, in Outlook, one can type “Draft an email to my team about the upcoming deadline,” and Copilot will generate a draft based on your prompt. This feature lowers the learning curve for new users and improves overall usability across the board.

Customisation and Flexibility

Customisation is crucial for any tool, and Microsoft 365 Copilot excels in this area. Users can adjust settings to align with their personal preferences and workflows. Whether it’s modifying how suggestions appear or enabling/disabling certain features, Copilot gives users the flexibility to tailor the experience to their specific needs. For businesses, this means teams can develop a standard operating procedure that everyone can adhere to, improving productivity even further.

Collaboration Features

Collaboration is at the heart of many Microsoft applications, and Copilot enhances it by streamlining communication and alignment among team members. Within a shared document in Word, for instance, Copilot can highlight comments and suggest potential responses or edits, creating a smoother feedback loop. Similarly, in Teams, it can identify outstanding tasks and pre-schedule deadlines across channels. These collaborative features ensure that everyone is on the same page while maximising collective productivity.

Security and Compliance

In today’s work environment, security is paramount. Microsoft 365 Copilot is built with compliance and security in mind, using data protection standards and protocols that adhere to industry policies. Sensitive information is handled responsibly, enabling organisations to trust that their data is secure. For example, Copilot features integrate with Microsoft Purview, which helps classify and label data based on sensitivity, preventing unauthorized sharing. This security-first approach is crucial for businesses operating in regulated industries.

Learning and Adaptation

One of the most fascinating aspects of Microsoft 365 Copilot is its capability to learn and adapt over time. As users interact with it more frequently, Copilot becomes better at understanding individual work habits, preferences, and needs. It can refine its suggestions to become even more relevant, ensuring that it continually offers the highest value possible. This adaptive learning mechanism helps users become more productive as they leverage the full potential of Copilot.

Plans and Subscription Options

Understanding the various plans available for Microsoft 365 Copilot is essential for choosing the right fit for your needs. From casual users to advanced business applications, there’s a plan suitable for everyone.

Wait, I don't want Copilot or any increased costs

Starting January 16, 2025, Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans worldwide will include Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer. Existing subscribers will automatically gain access to Copilot within applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, provided they update to the latest version. Those with recurring billing enabled have the option to switch to alternative plans, such as Microsoft 365 Basic or, for what Microsoft frames as a limited period, Microsoft 365 Personal Classic and Microsoft 365 Family Classic. These don't contain Copilot.

Also – Switching to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Classic Plans

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers will receive a monthly allotment of AI credits to use Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The credits can also be used for AI image generation and editing in Designer and in other AI-powered apps like Paint, Photos, and Notepad on a device running Windows. It's ideal for individuals who use Copilot occasionally and do not require extensive features regularly. While this plan provides a good introduction to what Copilot can do, some users may find limitations in the tools’ capabilities for routine tasks.

Microsoft 365 Copilot

The next tier is designed with businesses in mind. You can add Microsoft 365 Copilot to a qualifying Microsoft 365 business plan for £23.10 per user per month. Microsoft 365 Copilot enhances productivity in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It allows you to combine your business data and AI with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Copilot Pages, provdes the capability to automate business processes by creating custom agents with Copilot Studio. Administrators can rest easy with insights on adoption with a pre-built dashboard and enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance.  This plan is perfect for teams that rely heavily on Microsoft 365 for their daily business operations, offering features that enhance collaboration and productivity within the organisation.

Also – Copilot+ PC's are different to Copilot enabled Microsoft 365. Find out more about that here - To Copilot+ PC or not to Copilot+ PC, that is the question

Copilot Pro

For users looking for more power and speed, with access to the most advanced AI models, extended use of Copilot Voice and early access to experimental features the Copilot Pro plan is priced at £19 per user per month. It offers enhanced response times and priority access to new features, which makes it suitable for daily, personal users who wish to harness Copilot’s full potential. Copilot Pro subscribers can use Copilot in the web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Those who have a separate Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription get the added benefit of using Copilot in the more fully featured desktop apps. 

Copilot Studio

For those interested in a more customisable approach, Copilot Studio is a unique offering priced at £153 per month, or pay as you go with a subsciption to Azure. This low-code platform allows users to create and tailor their own Copilot experience, catering to their specific needs, which could be beneficial for organisations seeking bespoke functionalities. Users can start with a free 30-day trial using their school or work email, making it an accessible option for testing advanced features before committing.

Limitations and Considerations

While Microsoft 365 Copilot is packed with features, it’s essential to understand its limitations. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating whether Copilot is right for you.

Region-Specific Restrictions

Some features of Microsoft 365 Copilot may not be available in all regions. For instance, certain capabilities within Teams or Excel, such as Teams Meeting CoPilot or advanced functionalities in Excel with Python, may not be supported on certain devices or languages. Be sure to check the availability of specific features based on your location to avoid disappointment.

Learning Curve

Even though Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to be user-friendly, there can still be a learning curve, especially for users new to AI-driven tools. Familiarising yourself with Copilot’s various functionalities and how they interact with your workflow takes some time. It may be beneficial to explore available tutorials and resources to maximise the use of the tool effectively.

Integration with Third-Party Tools

While Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates well with Microsoft products, its compatibility with third-party applications may be limited. AI features are, Microsoft "only available to subscription owner and cannot be shared. Copilot features in Outlook apply to accounts with @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com email addresses and are available in Outlook.com, Outlook built into Windows, Outlook on Mac, and iOS and Android apps. Usage limits apply." Before committing to Copilot, assess your existing tools and ensure the new capabilities are available and align with your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, Microsoft 365 Copilot is a powerful AI tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance productivity, context-specific support, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications. With various subscription plans tailored to different user needs, everyone can find a suitable option, from casual users to enterprise-level solutions. While there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind, the benefits of using Copilot in your workplace may far outweigh the drawbacks.

If you are interested in boosting your productivity and streamlining your workflow, consider trying out Microsoft 365 Copilot today. Try the free version or the tools included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.

Attribution – Image by pvproductions on Freepik