How we tested this
Reviewed against Microsoft 365 Copilot docs in May 2026
We refreshed this guide using Microsoft Learn, Microsoft Support, and Microsoft's transparency notes for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The prompts are organized by app and enterprise workflow, with source references, data checks, and permission-aware review notes.
How to use these prompts
Prompt Copilot by naming the Microsoft 365 app, the source file or meeting, the audience, and the format you need. Ask it to flag uncertainty and cite the source file or message when possible.
Prompt map
Workflows and starter prompts
Use these workflows to keep Copilot grounded in the right app and business context.
| Job | Prompt focus | Starter prompt | Human check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word document | source files, outline, tone, review | Using [source], draft a 2-page brief for [audience] with summary, context, options, recommendation, risks, and next steps. | Check source grounding, tone, and factual claims. |
| Excel analysis | table, metric, trend, formula, chart | Analyze this table for [question]. Identify trends, anomalies, likely drivers, chart suggestions, and formulas I should verify. | Validate formulas and source data manually. |
| PowerPoint | prompt or file, slide count, narrative, template | Create a 7-slide presentation from [file] for [audience]. Use an executive storyline, one insight per slide, and speaker notes. | Check slide accuracy, layout, brand template, and data. |
| Outlook | thread, tone, decision, action | Summarize this email thread and draft a reply that confirms decisions, open questions, owners, and next step. | Check recipients, tone, and commitments before sending. |
| Teams meeting | recap, decisions, actions, blockers | Create a meeting recap with decisions, action items, owners, blockers, unanswered questions, and follow-up message. | Confirm action owners and sensitive discussion before sharing. |
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The reusable prompt
Word and writing prompts
Use Word prompts for briefs, policies, memos, proposals, and summaries.
Prompt 1
Draft a one-page executive brief from this document with context, options, recommendation, risks, and decision needed.
Prompt 2
Rewrite this policy for employees. Keep legal meaning, use plain language, and add a summary box.
Prompt 3
Create a proposal outline using these notes. Include problem, approach, timeline, deliverables, assumptions, and next step.
Prompt 4
Compare these two documents and list key differences, conflicts, missing clauses, and questions for the owner.
Excel and data prompts
Copilot can help find patterns, but spreadsheets still need manual checks.
Prompt 1
Analyze this sales table for trends, outliers, seasonality, and segments that need management attention.
Prompt 2
Suggest the best chart types for this dataset and explain what each chart would reveal.
Prompt 3
Find rows with missing values, suspicious duplicates, inconsistent categories, or formulas that may need review.
Prompt 4
Create a plain-language summary of this workbook for a non-finance executive.
PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams prompts
Use source-grounded prompts so Copilot does not create generic business content.
Prompt 1
Create a PowerPoint outline from this Word file with 8 slides, insight titles, visuals, and speaker notes.
Prompt 2
Draft a concise reply to this email thread. Confirm decision, owner, due date, and open question.
Prompt 3
Summarize this Teams meeting for people who missed it. Include decisions, actions, blockers, and follow-up note.
Prompt 4
Turn these meeting notes into a project update message for Teams and a shorter version for email.
What to check before using Copilot output
FAQs
What is the best Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt format?
Use app, source file or meeting, audience, output format, constraints, and verification request. The more specific the source and audience, the better the result.
What apps does Microsoft 365 Copilot work with?
Microsoft Learn describes Copilot working in Microsoft 365 productivity apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Loop.
Can Copilot create PowerPoint presentations?
Yes. Microsoft says Copilot in PowerPoint can create a new presentation from a prompt or Word file, depending on subscription and feature availability.
Can Copilot analyze Excel data?
Yes. Microsoft's transparency note says Copilot in Excel assists with formulas, chart types, and insights about spreadsheet data. Verify formulas and source data manually.
Can Copilot summarize Teams meetings?
Yes, where Teams meeting recap and Copilot features are available. Always confirm action owners and sensitive discussion before sharing summaries.
How do I avoid generic Copilot output?
Reference the exact file, thread, meeting, table, or slide deck. Add audience, business goal, format, and review criteria.
What should I not put into Copilot prompts?
Avoid unnecessary sensitive data, secrets, regulated personal information, or confidential client details unless your organization has approved that use.
What is the main Copilot prompting mistake?
The main mistake is asking a broad question without naming the source material. Copilot is strongest when grounded in a specific Microsoft 365 file, thread, meeting, or table.