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Copilot for Outlook: Practical guides, prompts and videos
Do more in your inbox - faster
Save minutes on every message. This hub gives you quick written tips, short videos and copy-paste prompts so you can summarise threads, draft better replies and keep work moving.
Summarise long threads
Use this when you need updates at a glance and who needs to do what.
Draft with tone and length
Beat blank-page syndrome and land the right tone.
"Draft a reply that [states X], Tone: professional, Length: short.
Then regenerate with Tone: direct, Length: medium if I need a firmer version."
How to: Draft with Copilot → enter your prompt → adjust Tone and Length, regenerate if needed, then edit before sending.
Pull out actions and owners
"From this thread, extract actions into a table with columns: Action, Owner, Due date. If unknown, suggest a reasonable date."
How to: Open the conversation → click Summarise to get the key points → then use Draft with Copilot and paste the prompt to generate a structured table you can copy into your task tool or ticket.
"What changed since I last read this?"
Understand any updates since you were last able to review the email or thread.
"What's new since my last reply in this thread? List only new information and any new asks for me."
How to: Open the latest message in the thread → click Summarise → if the recap feels too broad, paste the prompt above into Draft with Copilot for a focused update.
Polite but firm chaser
You always want to be polite, but sometimes you need to apply a little pressure.
"Draft a chaser requesting an update on {topic}. Be specific about the information needed and propose two time options for a call. Tone: direct, Length: medium."
How to: Select Draft with Copilot on the original message → paste the prompt → adjust tone/length if needed → review and personalise before sending.
Concise customer update
Send a quick update to your customer about what's been happening and what to expect next.
"Create a customer‑friendly update from this thread in 5–7 bullets: problem, actions taken, what’s next, and ETA. Tone: professional."
How to: Highlight the relevant conversation → click Summarise first to get the key points → then use Draft with Copilot and paste the prompt to turn it into a clear, client‑ready update.
In addition to these quick-start recipes, we have a free to download Copilot for Outlook prompt pack so you can hit the ground running.
Byte-size videos
Scroll through our selection of Byte-size Bulletin tips. These are short videos to show you how to complete different tasks in Copilot for Outlook from beginning to end. We'll be updating this whenever we can with more videos - if you have any ideas for Byte-size Bulletins you want to see, reach out and let us know!
Copilot for Outlook capabilities
| Great at right now | Limitations to be aware of |
| Drafting replies with adjustable tone/length and giving you a starting point to edit. | Copilot does not send or schedule emails for you - it drafts; you send. |
| Summarising long threads and surfacing decisions/open questions. | It won't flag messages or add items to your To-Do List automatically. |
| Suggesting quick replies in Outlook on the web in some views. | Small UX differences: Outlook on the web often includes direct links in results; older desktop builds may not. |
Admin and governance
Rolling out Copilot is smoother with a short AI Readiness Assessment, followed by a call with us to review your self-assessment. If you choose The Final Step for your Copilot rollout, we'll check tenant prerequisites, identify the first high-value use cases where you can put Copilot to work, and agree success metrics and adoption steps. Download the AI Readiness Assessment here, then book a call with us below.
FAQs
Why don't I see "Draft with Copilot" in Outlook?
First, try in Outlook on the web/new Outlook. Features ship there first and may appear differently than classic desktop. If it’s still missing, check your licence, app version and whether Copilot is enabled for your tenant.
Why is Copilot replying in US English?
Copilot respects your Microsoft 365 language preferences. Set them to UK English, or add “Write in UK English” in your prompt to override.
Can Copilot send or schedule emails for me?
No - at the moment it drafts only, then you review and send manually.
Can Copilot flag emails or add To‑Dos?
Not currently. Use Copilot to surface items, then flag or add to your task tool yourself.
Is there a difference between Outlook on the web and desktop?
Yes, small ones: for example, web often provides direct links in results; desktop may not; web may suggest quick replies more readily.
Related services and next steps
- Microsoft 365 Consulting: architecture, rollout, training, optimisation.
- Copilot Security Assessments: ensure safe, value‑led adoption for your team.
- Contact us: prefer to talk it through? We’re happy to help.
