One of the biggest questions people have after getting Microsoft Copilot is simple:
“What should I ask it?”
The good news is you don’t need to be an AI expert to get great results.
The best Microsoft Copilot prompts aren’t complicated; they’re practical. Whether you’re working in Outlook, Excel, Teams, or Word, the right prompt can help you save time, cut down on repetitive work, and get more out of the Microsoft 365 tools you already use.
If you’ve been following along with our Microsoft Copilot series, we’ve covered how Copilot can help across your workday. Now, it’s time to put it into practice.
Below are 10 Microsoft Copilot prompt examples you can copy, paste, and start using today.
What Are Microsoft Copilot Prompts?
Before we jump in, let’s start with the basics.
A Microsoft Copilot prompt is simply the instruction or question you give Copilot to complete a task.
The more specific your prompt is, the better your results are likely to be.
Think of it less like giving a command and more like asking a helpful coworker for assistance. A little context goes a long way.
A Simple Formula for Better Microsoft Copilot Prompts
You don’t need to memorize a complicated prompt formula. Start with three things:
Task + Context + Desired Output
For example, instead of: Summarize this.
Try: Summarize this report in five bullet points for a leadership audience. Highlight the biggest changes from last quarter and any decisions we need to make.
The second prompt tells Copilot what you need, why you need it, and what a useful response should look like.
You don’t need the perfect prompt. You just need to give Copilot enough context to understand what you’re trying to accomplish.
Microsoft Copilot Prompts for Outlook
1. Summarize an Email Thread
Copy & Paste Prompt: Summarize this email thread in three bullet points and highlight any action items.
Best for:
- Long customer conversations
- Busy inboxes
- Returning from PTO
Why it works: Instead of reading through dozens of emails, Copilot quickly surfaces the important information so you can focus on responding instead of catching up.
2. Draft a Professional Response
Copy & Paste Prompt: Draft a professional response confirming we’ve received this request and outlining the next steps.
Best for:
- Customer emails
- Internal communication
- Project updates
Why it works: Copilot gives you a strong first draft while still leaving room to personalize the message before sending.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Microsoft Copilot in Outlook to see how these features can save time every day.
Microsoft Copilot Prompts for Excel
3. Explain This Spreadsheet
Copy & Paste Prompt: Explain this spreadsheet like I’m new to Excel. Highlight the biggest trends and anything unusual.
Best for:
- Sales reports
- Budget reviews
- KPI dashboards
Why it works: This Microsoft Copilot prompt for Excel helps turn complex data into plain English, making it easier to understand what’s happening without getting lost in rows and columns.
4. Analyze My Data
Copy & Paste Prompt: Analyze this data and identify trends, outliers, and opportunities I should pay attention to.
Best for:
- Monthly reporting
- Sales analysis
- Operational dashboards
Why it works: Rather than searching through rows and columns yourself, Copilot gives you a starting point for deeper analysis and helps point you toward the information that deserves a closer look.
☕ Copilot Coffee Break
If you’ve ever looked at a spreadsheet and thought: “I know there’s something important in here…” This prompt is for you.
Want more Excel tips? Read Using Microsoft Copilot in Excel (Even If You’re Not an Excel Expert).
Microsoft Copilot Prompts for Teams
5. Summarize Today’s Meeting
Copy & Paste Prompt: Summarize today’s meeting and list every action item discussed.
Best for:
- Team meetings
- Client calls
- Project updates
Why it works: Instead of replaying an hour-long meeting recording, you can get a concise summary of the conversation and the next steps that came out of it.
6. Prepare Me for My Next Meeting
Copy & Paste Prompt: Based on previous meetings and conversations, what should I be prepared to discuss today?
Best for:
- Weekly check-ins
- Client meetings
- Leadership meetings
Why it works:Copilot helps you walk into meetings with the right context and fewer surprises.
Want to make meetings a little easier? Learn more about how Microsoft Copilot works in Teams.
Microsoft Copilot Prompts for Teams
7. Create a First Draft
Copy & Paste Prompt: Create a first draft of a project update using the notes below.
Best for:
- Reports
- Internal updates
- Proposals
Why it works: Copilot helps eliminate one of the hardest parts of writing: getting started.
8. Rewrite This Document
Copy & Paste Prompt: Rewrite this document to sound more conversational while keeping the same meaning.
Best for:
- Reports
- Client communication
- Internal documents
Why it works: This prompt can help improve readability without requiring you to rewrite everything yourself. You still get the final say, so review the draft and make sure it sounds like you before calling it done.
☕ Copilot Coffee Break
One of the best ways to use Copilot isn’t asking it to finish the work. It’s asking it to help you start.
Continue reading: Microsoft Copilot in Word: From Blank Page to First Draft, Faster
Microsoft Copilot Prompts You Can Use Across Microsoft 365
9. Turn Notes Into Action Items
Copy & Paste Prompt: Turn these meeting notes into a project plan with action items, owners, and deadlines.
Best for:
- Project kickoffs
- Brainstorming sessions
- Team meetings
- Client conversations
Why it works: A page full of notes is useful. A clear list of who’s doing what, and when, is even better. This prompt helps turn a conversation into something your team can act on.
☕ Copilot Coffee Break
One of the best ways to use Copilot isn’t asking it to finish the work. It’s asking it to help you start.
10. Create an Executive Summary
Copy & Paste Prompt: Summarize this document into five key takeaways for leadership.
Best for:
- Long reports
- Project updates
- Research
- Leadership communication
Why it works:Copilot can help pull the most important information forward so you can communicate it quickly without overwhelming your audience.
One Last Microsoft Copilot Prompt Add On (My Favorite)
If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this.
Copy & Paste Prompt Add On: Before you answer, ask me any clarifying questions you need to give me the best possible response.
This simple prompt can lead to better, more useful answers because it encourages Copilot to gather more context before jumping into a response.
Sometimes the best prompt isn’t asking for an answer. It’s inviting a better conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Copilot Prompts
What is a Microsoft Copilot prompt?
A Microsoft Copilot prompt is the instruction or question you give Copilot to complete a task. Clear, specific prompts generally produce more useful and relevant results.
Do better Microsoft Copilot prompts produce better results?
Generally, yes. Giving Copilot more context and direction can help it tailor its response to what you actually need. Try including the task, relevant context, and the type of output you want.
Can Microsoft Copilot write emails?
Yes. Copilot can help draft emails, summarize email threads, and rewrite messages in Outlook. You’ll still want to review and personalize the content before sending.
Can Microsoft Copilot summarize meetings?
Yes. In Microsoft Teams, Copilot can help summarize meetings, identify action items, and catch you up on conversations. Available capabilities can depend on your Microsoft 365 setup and licensing.
Does Microsoft Copilot work in Excel?
Yes. Copilot in Excel can help you explore and understand data, identify trends, and assist with analysis. The specific features available can vary depending on your version and Microsoft 365 setup.
The Best Microsoft Copilot Prompt Is the One That Saves You Time
The best Microsoft Copilot prompts aren’t the most complicated ones.
They’re the ones that help you solve everyday problems.
Start with one or two prompts that fit naturally into your workflow. Maybe it’s catching up on a long email thread. Maybe it’s getting a first draft started. Or maybe it’s finally figuring out what that spreadsheet is trying to tell you.
As you get more comfortable using Copilot, you’ll find more opportunities to save time across Outlook, Excel, Teams, Word, and the rest of your workday.
You don’t have to change the way you work overnight.
Start small. Find what helps. Build from there.
Ready to Put Copilot to Work?
You don’t need dozens of prompts or an AI playbook a mile long. Start with the tasks that take up your time every day, then build from there.
If you’re wondering where Microsoft Copilot could make the biggest difference for your team, Applied Innovation can help you find a practical place to start.
Let’s talk about making Copilot more useful for your business.