How the Copilot Chat Interface Works

If you want to understand how Copilot works in your daily Microsoft 365 environment, the chat interface is the best place to start. It is a clean, simple space where you can ask questions, upload files, switch between tasks, and return to past conversations. Think of it as your central communication hub with Copilot.

Here are the three key points:

1. Copilot chat offers a clean and intuitive interface for asking questions.
2. You can dictate, type, or upload files directly into your chat.
3. The interface gives you quick access to web results, work content, previous chats, and task creation.

Read more AI Academy stories:
https://www.flowhunt.io/academy/

What the Copilot Chat Interface Looks Like

When you open Copilot in your browser or in Teams, you will see a clean, minimal layout built for fast interaction. You can type your question directly, or if you prefer, you can use the dictation button to speak instead of typing.

Adding Content with the Plus Button

If you press the plus button, Copilot shows all locations where you can pull content from. This includes:

• Your OneDrive
• Your local computer
• Any shared files available to you

This makes it easy to attach context for Copilot to analyse or reference.

Suggestions, Web Tools, and Work Tools

Under your chat bar, you will see suggested prompts. These are quick ideas that you can tap when you do not know where to start.

Above the chat space, you will see:

• Work options, such as your internal documents
• Web options, allowing Copilot to search externally when needed

This creates a balance between your organisational knowledge and public information.

The Sidebar: Chats, History, and Tasks

On the right side, you will find the sidebar, which includes several important elements.

1. Chat

Pressing this button starts a new conversation.
This is useful when you want a clean context or when you switch to a different task.

2. Previous Conversations

At the bottom of the sidebar, you will see your past conversations.
You can open any of them to continue where you left off, copy answers, or reuse instructions.

Why This Interface Helps You Work Faster

The Copilot chat interface is designed for speed, simplicity, and context.
It lets you:

• Switch between tasks instantly
• Pull in documents without searching
• Return to earlier conversations
• Use dictation to capture ideas quickly
• Combine web and work data

You stay in control. Copilot enhances your workflow with immediate access to what matters.

Summary

The Copilot chat interface is the central place where you interact with your AI assistant. You can:

• Ask questions by typing or dictating
• Upload files from OneDrive or your computer
• Use suggestions, work tools, and web tools
• Start new chats or return to older ones
• Prepare tasks through Audiences

If you want to fully understand Copilot and use it effectively across Microsoft 365, explore our Microsoft 365 Copilot Essentials training programme:
https://www.flowhunt.io/services/ai-training/microsoft-365-copilot-essentials/