In this article: Overview | Getting Started | Technical Readiness | Next Steps | Channel Readiness | Customer Asset
Overview
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered productivity tool that uses large language models (LLMs) and integrates your data with the Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 Apps. It works alongside popular Microsoft 365 Apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. Copilot provides real-time intelligent assistance, enabling users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills.
Getting Started
There are several prerequisites that customers will need to meet to have an optimal experience on Copilot for Microsoft 365:
Readiness scope
- The following applications must be deployed for your users, which seamlessly integrate with Copilot for Microsoft 365 and other applications:
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Microsoft Teams Meeting
- Data security and privacy
- Exchange Online
- SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business
- Copilot (formerly Bing Chat Enterprise)
Guide customers to use the Copilot for Microsoft 365 advanced deployment guide which can be found in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
For Copilot for Microsoft 365, FastTrack provides guidance to enable the Microsoft Loop app and the new Outlook for Windows.
- Learn how to enable the Microsoft Loop app, now in Public Preview - Microsoft Community Hub
- Getting started with the new Outlook for Windows - Microsoft Support
Technical Readiness
What does it take to be ready for Copilot for Microsoft 365?
- Enterprise customers: Microsoft 365 E3 / E5, Office 365 E3 or E5, Microsoft 365 A3/A5 for faculty, Office 365 A3/A5 for faculty
- SMB: Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Business Standard
- Microsoft Entra ID account
- Some features such as file restore and management require a OneDrive account.
- WebSockets allowed from user endpoints to the endpoints in ID #147 in the section for Microsoft 365 Common and Office Online
- Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available in web versions and in desktop
- Outlook users must use the new Outlook for Windows or MacOS
- Teams: Users can use Teams desktop client or the web app. Both current and the new versions of Teams supported.
- Tenants must have Loop enabled. This is only required to use Loop with Copilot for Microsoft 365.
- Enablement of Connected Experiences
- For more information, see Get started with Copilot for Microsoft 365 -Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn
- Optimized for Copilot for Microsoft 365
The following are not required for Copilot for Microsoft 365 but are recommended to provide optimal data governance:
- Information protection labelling
- SharePoint site restrictions configured
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Retention policies
Recommended Next Steps
- Establish a Copilot for Microsoft 365 program owner.
- Review prerequisites and assess Copilot for Microsoft 365 in your organization.
- Review and identify potential data oversharing.
- Utilize FastTrack to assist with Microsoft Purview enablement.
- Establish an internal data governance team to review report output and remediate as needed.
Channel Readiness
Why do we require Current or Monthly Channel for Copilot for Microsoft 365?
Take Advantage of the Latest Features
Access the latest Office features on a predictable cadence using Monthly Enterprise Channel (MEC) or get them as soon as they are released on Current Channel (CC). This empowers users to do more using Copilot for M365’s latest collaboration and productivity enhancements, in a consistent and expected experience.
Compatibility
Using a monthly update channel (MEC or CC) is the optimal choice for customers who want to enjoy the most recent and consistent version of Microsoft 365 apps. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to work seamlessly with this channel. Leverage FastTrack’s App Assure team for any add-in or App compatibility issues.
Overview of update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps - Deploy Office | Microsoft Learn
Important Note! Customers who are not ready to switch to CC/MEC completely have the flexibility to use mobile or web versions of Microsoft 365 Apps.
FastTrack can help with moving to Current or Monthly Channel.
- FastTrack Center Benefit for Microsoft 365
- Setup guides for Microsoft 365 apps
- Advanced deployment guides for Microsoft 365 and Office 365 products
- Work with the App Assure team to unblock your app compatibility issues
- Latest updates for Copilot for Microsoft 365 - Microsoft Support
- Change to a monthly update channel to prepare for Copilot