Microsoft 365 Copilot can summarize documents, draft prose, analyze spreadsheet data, and help create presentation content. To use it, open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, select Copilot if it is available, and ask for a specific result. First check that your account and organization settings allow access: Copilot controls and capabilities vary by license, settings, platform, and experience.
Check whether Copilot is available
Open the Microsoft 365 app you want to use and look for Copilot. If it is missing, check your account’s subscription or Copilot license and ask your organization’s administrator whether the feature has been disabled or limited. Microsoft documents different licensing requirements for different Copilot experiences; the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Agents in the Microsoft Copilot app, for example, require a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. That requirement should not be assumed to apply identically to every in-app Copilot feature. See Microsoft’s Copilot support guidance and the relevant app-specific help for current availability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Work only with files and information you are permitted to access. Prompts tend to be more useful when they identify the source, audience, and desired format. For example, ask for five key points and three unresolved questions rather than asking Copilot to analyze everything.
How do I summarize a Word document with Copilot?
- Open the document in Word and select Copilot to open its chat pane.
- Ask for a focused result, such as “Summarize this document in five bullets” or “List the decisions and action items.”
- Check the response against the document. If useful, ask a follow-up question or request a different length, tone, or structure.
Copilot can summarize and answer questions about the current document. It can also draft from a prompt, outline, notes, or referenced file, and help refine selected text. For a draft, specify the deliverable and audience—for example: “Draft a one-page project update for a nontechnical audience using the notes below.” Then correct any errors against the source before sharing it. See Microsoft’s Word Copilot guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
Automatic summaries have a source-length condition
Depending on your license and organization settings, Word may offer a summary automatically at the top of a document. Microsoft Support says automatic summaries need a source of at least 200 words. A shorter document can still be summarized by asking Copilot directly. Microsoft also cautions that automatic summaries do not always include citations to later content in the document. Verify important details in the original rather than treating an uncited summary as a precise reference.
How do I analyze data with Copilot in Excel?
- Open a workbook with a clearly structured data range and select the Copilot icon.
- Ask a concrete question and state the format you want. For example: “Which three regions had the largest quarter-over-quarter change? Show a chart.”
- Review the result, then check generated formulas, calculations, and interpretations against the workbook before relying on them.
Copilot can help surface summaries, trends, and outliers, and can create charts, PivotTables, formulas, or summary rows. For another prompt, try “Summarize the main trends and outliers” or “Add a formula column for margin and explain the formula.” Microsoft advises using specific questions and clear column names to improve results. See Microsoft’s Excel Copilot guidance.
Rank #2
- Designed for Your Windows and Apple Devices | Install premium Office apps on your Windows laptop, desktop, MacBook or iMac. Works seamlessly across your devices for home, school, or personal productivity.
- Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook | Get premium versions of the essential Office apps that help you work, study, create, and stay organized.
- 1 TB Secure Cloud Storage | Store and access your documents, photos, and files from your Windows, Mac or mobile devices.
- Premium Tools Across Your Devices | Your subscription lets you work across all of your Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices with apps that sync instantly through the cloud.
- Easy Digital Download with Microsoft Account | Product delivered electronically for quick setup. Sign in with your Microsoft account, redeem your code, and download your apps instantly to your Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Can Copilot summarize a PowerPoint presentation?
- Open the presentation and select Copilot.
- Ask “Summarize this presentation,” or request a targeted result such as key slides or action items.
- Check the summary against the deck, especially before using it to make decisions or share it as a record of what was presented.
Microsoft says PowerPoint can return a bulleted summary with references to where information came from in the presentation. Its current support guidance describes an approximate upper limit of 40,000 words for presentation summaries; it is not a guarantee for every plan or app version. Details are in Microsoft’s PowerPoint summary instructions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Can Copilot create a PowerPoint slide from a Word file?
- Open the presentation and select Copilot.
- Choose or reference the source file, then describe the slide you want.
- Name the specific section or topic to use, and inspect and edit the generated slide before presenting it.
Microsoft also describes creating presentations from a prompt or an existing Word file. Its FAQ says existing-file presentation generation supports one file at a time. Availability and support can depend on the product surface and license, so check the relevant file-to-presentation guidance and PowerPoint Copilot FAQ.
Rank #3
- Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Palm Rest Comfort Keyboard for Business - Wired
- Exceptional comfort. Work all day, with reduced risk of fatigue and injury, on our Ergonomist-approved design.
- Excellent support. Improved cushion and ergonomically tested palm rest covered in premium fabric provides all-day comfort and promotes a neutral wrist posture.
- Be more productive with built-in shortcuts, including dedicated keys for office 365,* emojis, search, easy access to media controls, and more.
- Designed to last wired for reliable speed and accuracy. Crunch numbers Fast, with a dedicated integrated pad. Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 10, Limited functionality Windows 8.1/7 (Office and Emoji keys have no function)
Which app should you use?
| App | Input | Useful outputs | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word | Document prose, notes, outline, prompt, or referenced file | Summary, answers about the document, or prose draft | Whether the draft matches its source and whether summary details can be traced to the document |
| Excel | Structured worksheet data | Data insights, charts, PivotTables, formulas, or summary rows | Formulas, calculations, and whether the interpretation fits the data |
| PowerPoint | Presentation, prompt, or referenced document | Presentation summary or presentation content | References to source material and whether generated slides represent the intended section accurately |
Choose based on where the source information lives and what you need back: prose, spreadsheet analysis, or presentation content. In every app, treat Copilot’s output as a starting point to inspect—not as verified fact.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
