Applied AI Tools

Microsoft Copilot is an AI chatbot tool designed to assist a user across Microsoft apps.

Imagine having a personal assistant by your side as you browse the web, helping you streamline email management, summarize content, analyze PDFs, and more!

Microsoft Copilot is an AI tool designed to do just that — revolutionizing the way you interact with the internet.

With its intuitive interface and natural language capabilities, it’s like having a helpful companion by your side as you browse the web using Edge browser.

Copilot displays differently in all Microsoft applications and offers various capabilities. However, in the Edge browser, it shows up as a sidebar, providing easy access to its range of tools. Whether you’re looking to create new ideas, generate unique content, or simply simplify your browsing tasks, Copilot with MS Edge provides human-level assistance for each.

To get the most out of Copilot, it’s essential to understand how to use its features effectively. By mastering Copilot’s capabilities, you’ll be able to use AI to transform work efficiency, stay organized, and gain a competitive edge in your online activities.

In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how to utilize the sidebar to perform various browsing tasks, from managing email to analyzing PDFs. 

What is Microsoft copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is their dedicated AI assistant designed specifically for Microsoft products. This innovative feature is integrated into across Microsoft Edge, Bing Search, Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), and even Windows 11.

With this, Microsoft is now competing with Google’s Gemini for workplace productivity with AI assistants.

Copilot leverages the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI to provide a wide range of functionalities, from text and image generation to data analysis and more. The primary objective of Copilot is to save users time and enhance their productivity as they search, write, and ideate.

For Microsoft 365 users, Copilot offers tailored experiences for both personal and work use, with features like Retrieval Augmented Generation and the ability to ground large language models with data. The tool is designed to prioritize human agency. It provides users with control over the content generated and ensuring that data security and privacy policies are maintained.

While this guide focuses on using Copilot in Edge, but it is also available through the Bing website, Bing mobile app, and other web browsers by adding add-ons or downloadable apps.

How do I add Microsoft Copilot to Edge?

To utilize Microsoft Copilot in Edge, you can access it by clicking the Copilot icon at the top right of the screen.

In your Edge browser, navigate to the top right corner of your screen and click on the Copilot icon. A sidebar will appear with three tabs, “Chat, Compose, and Insight,” from which you can search for whatever you are looking for and generate images.  

There are three ways to use MS Copilot on Edge browser –

• Chat
• Compose
• Insights

Let’s understand how to use each in detail:

How to use ‘Chat’ tab in Microsoft CoPilot on Edge browser?

Rather than coming on the search engine and doing the traditional search, you can directly ask the Copiot Chat to help find what you need much faster. 

To have a conversation with the AI tool to generate the content or get more details, resources, links, etc., on any topic you can imagine – click on ‘Ask me anything’ section. Then, type what you are looking for. Also, don’t forget to set your priorities, such as the type of content you want the tool to generate: creative, precise, or balanced.  

Get the most out of the AI-powered search engine, image generator, and more by trying these prompts in the Chat tab:

• Create an image of a girl living in the hills and enjoying the beautiful view around there. 
• My goal is to produce social media content for a shoe brand marketing agency. Share your top five suggestions for improving its appeal.

How to use ‘Compose’ tab in Mcrosoft CoPilot on Edge browser

The Compose tab is designed to help you get the best of Copilot’s text-generating AI tool. Create high-quality content in whatever built-in format you want, with a specific tone and length. For example, you can create something casual or write a bunch of emails.

Ask the AI tool what you want to create in the “Write about” section, and then choose the “Tone,” whether it’s casual or professional tone. Move forward with the “Format.” Tell the AI if you want it to write the content in Paragraph format or in an Email or Blog post.

Here are some example prompts you can test: 

• Write a letter to the sports school asking for new instruments. Include five reasons why it is important to have the new instruments. 
• I need to write an article about Fiction prose. Write an outline for the article with some great examples of all time. 

How to use the ‘Insights’ tab in Microsoft CoPilot on Edge browser

The Insight tab in Microsoft Copilot provides more information of a webpage you are visiting. If you want to get a summary idea of any article you want to read, just go to the Insight tab. It also provides an idea of the total traffic on the webpage and the types of audiences.

After opening a webpage, go to the Insight tab. For example, if you open a webpage to look at the “Top 10 places to visit in Brazil,” the Insight feature will list the best places along with activities you can do and even suggest YouTube videos.

Additionally, it will show how the web page performs in the search engine, including the total traffic and an idea about the audience.

9 automations using Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft Edge for productive browsing experience

Let’s explore each capabilities of Microsoft Copilot and how you can use them on Edge browser:

1. How to summarize web pages using Microsoft Copilot?

Reading the whole article or a blog can get time consuming. Microsoft Copilot summarizes the content for you, irrespective of how hard or complex the language used in the content. It can extract key information by condensing lengthy text into readable summaries in minutes.

2. How to compare products using Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot in MS Edge helps you reduce time spent in looking for products by comparing them using AI for eCommerce via Copilot. When you browse online stores, Copilot analyzes the product descriptions, prices, and reviews. Then, it will compare, highlighting key features and differences between products.

With the help of this AI tool, you can choose the best between multiple options without even switching the tabs and save your time.

3. How to analyze web pages, even on mobile using Microsoft Copilot?

Whether you’re seeking the best places to visit in a specific country or reading informative content, Microsoft Copilot utilizes its advanced algorithm to extract and present information meaningfully. Copilot identifies key information and relevant topics and provides real-time insights, irrespective of the device—be it mobile or laptop. For comprehensive and valuable insights all in one place, Copilot is your go-to handy tool!

4. How to ask anything with a screenshot using Microsoft Copilot?

If you’ve only got a screenshot of the content you need to inquire about, don’t worry. Just paste it into the “Ask anything” section, and it’ll analyze the image to get information or insights based on your query. Copilot allows it to interpret and respond to inquiries efficiently, making it a comprehensive tool for extracting information by just using a screenshot. 

5. How to analyze your PDFs using Microsoft Copilot?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by lengthy PDFs that you found while browsing, Microsoft Copilot is a free solution to extract information from PDFs. Here’s how you can save time:

• Navigate to your PDF and right-click on it. Then, choose Open with Microsoft Edge.

• Once it opens, you’ll see the Ask Copliot option at the top. Click on it. You can also click on the Copilot icon at the top right corner. Both options will redirect you to Copliot’s sidebar. 

• Now, type “Summarize the document on this page” in the Ask Me Anything section.   

• Depending on the pages in the PDF, the toll will automatically divide it per page or in small chunks to make it easier to analyze and provide a summary. 

• After getting the summary of the first page, you will need to ask the tool to proceed by clicking View More Parts.

That’s how we can analyze PDFs quickly. If you need to extract specific content from a PDF, just provide an additional prompt, such as “Extract all instances of the word ‘technology’ from the PDF file,” specifying what you want to extract, and so forth.

6. How to organize multiple tabs in the Edge browser using Microsoft Copilot?

Multiple tabs on our search engine can cause a lot of confusion and clutter. If you are in the same boat and finding a way to manage without trying to patch things up, you just need to give a command to your all-time companion, Copilot.

• Open Copilot’s sidebar by clicking on its icon at the top right corner. 
• Now, write “Organize my tabs” and press Enter.
• Your all-time companion will automatically organize tabs based on your search topics. For instance, if you’re researching travel destinations and books, it’ll manage tabs for each category separately, enhancing browsing efficiency.

7. How to retrieve your passwords using Microsoft Copilot?

To retrieve passwords in Microsoft Edge using Microsoft Copilot:

• Open the website for which you want to retrieve the password.
• Click on the profile icon or three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
• In the Settings menu, choose Passwords from the sidebar.
• Look for the specific website in the list of saved passwords and click on it.
• Copilot will automatically assist in retrieving the password associated with that website.

8. How to manage profiles for organized browsing?

Microsoft Copilot’s Profiles feature in MS Edge eases users’ interactions with the browser. You can manage situations like – if you have two profiles in Edge, one is applicable for Copilot’s use, while the other isn’t, then your browsing doesn’t mix up. These features prove beneficial when using the same computer for both work and personal purposes. They offer an advanced capability to utilize Copilot on a single profile while disabling it on another.

Such an advanced feature could prove helpful for you when you need to complete a task without any assistance from AI. Therefore, you can simply swap profiles and enjoy working with or without AI as needed.

9. How to use plugins for additional feature boost?

Plugins are add-ons that enhance the functionality, security, performance, and user experience – and you have these available with Microsoft Copilot too.

Currently, the plugin features include Search, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, OpenTable, and Shop, but the list will be extended over time to ensure users can get he most out of the tool. 

These plugins offer different functionalities, ranging from providing information to making purchases. For example, Inscart can help you find new recipes or find information about your nearby local stores. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

1. Is Copilot for Edge free?

Yes, most of the Copilot’s features are free for Microsoft Edge. However, there are add-ons as well that you can get with the subscription.

2. Can Microsoft Copilot read PDF files?

Yes, Microsoft Copilot can read PDF files, but you need to ensure the file is open in the Edge browser. To do so, drag the file into the tab list at the top of the application or right-click on it, select “Open with,” and choose Edge.

3. Is Copilot better than ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is designed for natural language understanding and generation across various contexts. However, Copilot is an all-in-one AI tool that can generate images, create content, and help with your daily tasks, just like having an assistant 24/7. It integrates with MS software tools across Docs, Edge browser, Sheets, and more. So, we can say Copilot offers more benefits than ChatGPT. 

4. Is Edge Copilot GPT-4?

Yes, Microsoft Edge’s Copilot is powered by GPT-4, which is an OpenAI’s Large Language Model (LLM). You can access the GPT-4 by selecting the “Creative” mode in Edge. 

5. Which browser is good for using Copliot?

Although you can use Copliot in various browsers, using Microsoft Edge offers more benefits. The AI tool is designed for Microsoft apps to automate various tasks and save time. 

6. Can I use Copilot in Chrome?

Yes, Microsoft Copilot is available on Google Chrome, Bing, Edge, and other browsers. To access it, you need to download and add the Copilot sidebar extension from the Chrome Web Store to your browser.   

7. What is Google’s version of Microsoft Copilot?

Google’s version of Microsoft Copilot is Google Gemini, which is also a generative AI-powered assistant just like the Copilot. It also aims to increase daily productivity. Both AI tools provide natural language and an option to interact with users via chats, images, and voice. 

8. Can Microsoft Copilot access OneDrive?

Yes, Microsoft Copilot can access OneDrive for the web or from the file viewer in Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint for work and school customers. It can help extract the data from the files shared on OneDrive along with enhanced collaboration, efficiency, and security. 

9. Can we download Microsoft Copilot?

Yes, you can download the Microsoft Copilot by navigating to the Copilot page on Microsoft’s official website. Ensure compatibility with your device before downloading to avoid any issues. 

10. How to use ChatGPT on Edge browser?

To use ChatGPT on the Edge browser, open a new tab and navigate to the OpenAI website. After signing in, you can access ChatGPT to create content or get help with any task.

Ready to give Microsoft Edge another shot? – Microsoft Copilot offers good reasons!

I remember how Internet Explorer was mocked as a browser with many memes and jokes.

Fast forward to 2024, Microsoft has designed a modern browsing experience using Generative AI that competes with the leaders out there, so this space is definitely heating up!

We will be publishing more guides on using Microsoft Copilot across the Microsoft ecosystem of products – so do subscribe for updates!

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