What is Copilot Chat?
This version is freely available as a dedicated webpage, mobile app, and built-in Windows tool for users with a Mason Microsoft 365 License (Active faculty, staff, and students). Copilot Chat provides basic AI functionalities, including answering questions, generating content, and creating images. Ideal for individual users who need quick and easy access to AI tools.
*Licensing for other Microsoft Copilot products, such as Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Studio, is not currently available.
How does Copilot Chat work?
Copilot uses a large language model that mimics natural language based on patterns from large amounts of training data. The model is optimized for conversation by using Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF)—a method that uses human demonstrations to guide the model toward a desired behavior.
When you submit a text prompt to Copilot, the model generates a response by making suggestions about what text should come next in a string of words. The model is based on a domain-specific language (DSL) that allows you to specify what kind of information you want to search and synthesize from either your Microsoft 365 data or from the web. It’s important to keep in mind that the system was designed to mimic natural human communication, but the output may be inaccurate or out of date.
Using Copilot Chat
How do I best use Copilot Chat?
Get quick summaries about specific topics, analyze or compare products to make informed business decisions, create images, draft content, and learn new skills.
Here are some web-based example prompts you might want to try:
- How does our internal forecast compare with EPS growth in the top US public CPG companies?
- Give me a summary of recent news about [product].
- Help me learn about [topic].
- How do I set achievable goals at work?
Can I use Copilot Chat for my work?
Yes, see Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat for more information and examples of how to utilize Copilot Chat for work and teaching.
Can I use Copilot Chat for my school work?
Yes, see Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat for more information and examples of how to utilize Copilot Chat for academic work.
Can I use Copilot Chat for personal things that are not related to work or academics?
Yes, provided you’re using it for personal use only.
How can I use Copilot Chat in the classroom?
See Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat for more information and examples of how to utilize Copilot Chat for teaching.
Chat Prompts, Accuracy, and History
How are the titles in my Copilot Chat history created?
When you start a new Copilot Chat, Copilot will automatically generate a chat title to display in your chat history list. This is to make it easier to find chats you’ve had with Copilot in the past.
You can change the generated title by selecting the more options button […] and replacing the generated title with one of your own.
Data, Privacy, and Security
Is Copilot Chat approved for sensitive or restricted data?
At this time, we are still assessing the security of this tool, do not share sensitive or restricted data in Copilot Chat. See ITS Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Administrative Purposes at George Mason for more information.
Access and Troubleshooting
Who can access Copilot Chat?
Copilot Chat is available for all active faculty, staff, and students. Follow the instructions on Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat to log in to Copilot.
Do I need to link my personal Microsoft account to my work account to use Copilot Chat?
No, you no longer need to link your personal account to your work account to use Copilot. Sign in via https://m365copilot.com/ to access Copilot Chat.
Can I use Copilot Chat with my work account and personal account at the same time?
No, you cannot use Copilot with your personal and work accounts at the same time. To sign in with your personal or work account, sign in at m365copilot.com.
Does Copilot Chat work on a Mac?
Yes, you can use the Microsoft Edge application or log into your George Mason Microsoft 365 account to access Copilot Chat. See Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot Chat for more information.
What browser should I use when accessing Copilot Chat?
You can use any modern web browser to access Copilot Chat, but for the best experience, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome are recommended. These browsers are known for their speed, security, and compatibility with a wide range of web applications.
What should I do if Copilot Chat is not working properly?
Check your internet connection and ensure you are signed in with your school account.
- Refresh the page
- Clear browser cache
- Update your browser
- Disable extensions
- Try a different browser
If issues persist, contact ITS Support.
Can I use other AI tools?
See AI Toolkit for more information.
What languages are supported?
Copilot supports a wide range of languages. For the latest information on languages that have been tested and validated for all Copilot apps, see Supported languages for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
You can also try other languages with Copilot Chat, though results may vary. If you try another language, please use the Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down feedback controls to let us know how your experience was.