Overview:
Copilot Chat is an AI-powered conversational assistant that helps with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and brainstorming ideas to writing code and summarizing documents. Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant embedded directly into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. Copilot Chat is available to all Borough staff, whereas the Microsoft 365 Copilot version requires an additional paid license.
Key Differences:
Summary
| Feature |
Copilot Chat |
Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Interface |
Web, Windows Copilot app, Edge Copilot Sidebar, Mobile app |
Inside Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint |
| Context |
General-purpose |
Uses your M365 Office content and context |
| Use Cases |
Research, Q&A, coding, writing, brainstorming, productivity |
Document drafting, data analysis, meeting summaries, presentations |
| Data Access |
Utilizes Web resources; No access to your M365 Office files |
Full access to your M365 Office files (with permissions) |
| Integration |
Standalone |
Deeply integrated into M365 Office apps |
Copilot Chat
Features:
- General-purpose AI chat
- Can assist with writing, research, coding, and more
- Works across topics and domains
- Available in Copilot in Windows, Edge, or copilot.microsoft.com
Best For:
- Quick answer and explanations
- Creative writing and brainstorming
- Technical help (e.g. formulas)
- General productivity support
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Features:
- Context-aware: understands your documents, emails, calendars, and chats
- Generates content in Word, summarizes emails in Outlook, creates presentations in PowerPoint, analyzes data in Excel, etc.
- Uses your organization’s data (with appropriate permissions)
Best for:
- Drafting documents and emails
- Summarizing meetings and threads
- Automating repetitive tasks in Excel
- Creating presentations from outlines
More Information:
Differences between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat
Microsoft Copilot Chat