Contents
Overview
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an advanced AI-powered tool integrated into Microsoft Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Its purpose is to enhance productivity and creativity by working alongside users. Here's a quick summary of what it offers:
- In Word: Helps with drafting, summarizing, and refining documents based on your prompts.
- In Excel: Analyzes data, creates visualizations, and generates insights automatically.
- In PowerPoint: Converts ideas or written content into polished presentations with design suggestions.
- In Outlook: Assists with drafting emails, summarizing threads, and managing your inbox efficiently.
- In Teams: Summarizes meetings, captures action points, and helps with follow-ups.
Microsoft Copilot is a subscription-based service.
Copilot Pricing at UChicago
Requestors have to be using Microsoft 365 (M365). It is a fixed term annual subscription tied to our M365 agreement. The subscription runs from July 1 through June 30th the following year no matter when a requestor starts the subscription. The full year subscription cost is $349.51. The price is adjusted on a pro-rated basis if additional purchases are needed during the year. However, we aim to keep some stock on hand, making the frequency of orders variable.
Requesters can place an order for Copilot on the UChicago Software Licensing web store.
If you are unfamiliar with the portal, please review the Purchase UChicago Software Licensing article.
Windows Copilot
The Copilot feature in Windows 11 is an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance your productivity and provide seamless support. You can access it directly from the taskbar (via the Copilot icon) to ask questions, get recommendations, or complete tasks—all without leaving your current workflow. The copilot icon can be found in the bottom right corner of your screen:
Eligibility Requirements
Windows Copilot eligibility depends on your device and operating system. To access Windows Copilot, your computer must be running a compatible version of Windows 11, and the feature must be enabled for your region or device. Additionally, your system should meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, such as a compatible processor, sufficient RAM, and storage.
Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements
- Processor 1ghz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a chip
- RAM: 4GB or more
- Storage: 64GB or larger storage device
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphic Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM Drive
Recommended
- RAM: at least 16GB
- Storage: 256GB or higher
- Graphics: Advanced GPUs for AI-Intensive Tasks
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI, Intel Core Ultra, Snapdragon Processors with Neural Processing Units
Caution
Copilot might process sensitive or confidential information while assisting you. It’s essential to understand how your data is handled, especially when dealing with a business or personal information.
Relying too much on Copilot for tasks like writing data analysis, or decision making can reduce critical thinking or more creative skills over time.
Copilot on UChicago Managed Devices
In December of 2024, the default image was set to Windows 11 23h2. All deterrents disabling Copilot were removed. Any device with our latest build has the Copilot icon in the bottom right corner of the screen or can access it through Microsoft Edge.
To access Copilot through Microsoft Edge:
- Click on Microsoft Edge.
- A new screen appears and the Copilot icon is in the top right-hand corner. Click on the icon.
- The copilot chat will open and be available for use. However, if you are unable to access Copilot via these steps, you can visit the Copilot website directly.