Overview
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered productivity tool that integrates directly into Microsoft 365 applications to enhance your workflow. This guide explains how to access and launch Copilot features across desktop applications and Microsoft 365 Online.
Applies to: Faculty Staff
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
- An assigned, paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required on your Columbia College account.
- Microsoft 365 desktop apps must be fully updated to the latest available release.
- Ensure you are signed in using your primary institutional credentials (
username@ccis.edu).
Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat via Web
1 Launch Copilot Chat in Office.com
Access the centralized Microsoft Copilot Chat web portal from any supported browser.
●Open your web browser and navigate to office.com.
●Sign in with your Columbia College Microsoft account (username@ccis.edu and myPortal password).
●Note: If you encounter loading or sign-in issues, clear your browser cache and cookies, restart your workstation, and try again.
Desktop & Web Apps
Accessing Copilot Across Microsoft 365 Applications
2 Outlook
Launch Outlook on your desktop or via web browser.
●Look for the Copilot button in the Home tab on the top ribbon.
●If it is missing, verify that you are signed in with the licensed account and have installed all available updates.
3 Word
Launch Word on your desktop or via web browser.
●Locate the Copilot button in the Home tab or inline within new documents.
●If the icon is not visible, check your account sign-in status and ensure the application is up to date.
4 Excel
Launch Excel on your desktop or via web browser.
●Locate the Copilot button on the far right of the Home tab.
●Ensure the spreadsheet is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint (AutoSave on) and your data is formatted as an Excel Table.
5 PowerPoint
Launch PowerPoint on your desktop or via web browser.
●Look for the Copilot button in the Home tab on the ribbon.
●Make sure your account is connected and the app is updated.
6 OneNote
Launch OneNote on your desktop or via web browser.
●Find the Copilot button in the Home tab.
●Verify account settings and sync status if the button does not display.
Self-Service Diagnosis
Troubleshooting Missing Copilot Icons
If the Copilot icon does not appear in your desktop or web apps, follow these resolution steps:
●Check Account: Ensure you are signed into the app using your Columbia College account that has an assigned Copilot license.
●Update Apps: Make sure all Microsoft 365 desktop apps are updated to the latest build (File > Account > Update Options > Update Now).
●Refresh License: In any Office desktop app, navigate to File > Account and click Update License. Close and restart all Microsoft apps to apply changes.
●Clear Cache: For web browser issues, clear browser cache and cookies, restart your computer, and re-authenticate.
●Microsoft Known Issues: Review the Microsoft Copilot Known Issues Page for service alerts and active bug advisories.
Support & Assistance
Get Help
Still having trouble accessing Copilot in your Microsoft 365 apps?