Time-Saving Secrets: Must-Know Copilot Features in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

In my previous article, Time-Saving Secrets: Must-Know Copilot Features in Microsoft Teams, I gave an overview of Copilot and how it works within Microsoft Teams. If you’re new to Copilot or need a quick refresher on its capabilities within the Microsoft 365 environment, feel free to check it out. Otherwise, let’s dive into how Copilot can make your life easier in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

1. Copilot in Word: Smarter Document Creation

If you’ve ever stared at a blank Word document wondering how to get started, Copilot is here to save the day. It’s your brainstorming buddy, writing coach, and formatting wizard all rolled into one.

What it can do:

• Generate content based on your prompts.
• Suggest improvements for grammar, style, and tone.
• Summarize long documents into concise, digestible points.
• Automatically format your documents for that polished, professional look.

For example, imagine you’re tasked with drafting a company-wide announcement about a new initiative… but it’s Friday afternoon, you are completely out of creativity juice, and you have no idea where to start. No need to start hitting the wall with your head to try and get the gears gearing again, just ask Copilot:

Draft a one-page announcement about our new sustainability program, including key benefits and a call to action

Boom—Copilot churns out a draft that you can refine. Not only that, but if you want a quick summary of a 30-page report to include in your announcement, Copilot’s got your back.

Bonus tip: Feeling fancy? Ask Copilot to write your announcement in rhyming couplets for a bit of fun. Hey, who says business writing has to be boring?

2. Copilot in Excel: Advanced Data Analysis

I know I probably shouldn’t openly admit this, but I am not the biggest fan spreadsheets. If I see one, I run away screaming. Luckily, for my work I don’t really have to deal with them, but I know lots of you do, and I have your best interest at heart, so let me tell you how Copilot in Excel takes the grunt work out of data analysis and formatting, so that you can focus on the things that matter.

What it can do:

• Create complex formulas from natural language queries.
• Generate pivot tables and charts effortlessly.
• Highlight trends, outliers, and opportunities hidden in your data.
• Run “what-if” scenarios to help you plan for the future.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to figure out why sales have dropped in one region. Ask Copilot:

Show me a comparison of sales performance across regions over the last quarter, including key trends

In seconds, you’ll have charts, graphs, and actionable insights. Need to impress your boss? Ask Copilot to suggest three bullet points explaining the dip—with solutions, of course.

Bonus tip: Hosting a team trivia night? Use Copilot to whip up some fun stats-based questions. Example: “What percentage of our total sales comes from Product X?” You’ll be the hero of the spreadsheet and the social scene.

3. Copilot in PowerPoint: Presentation Design like a Pro

Creating presentations can be a chore, but with Copilot in PowerPoint, it’s like having a designer and content creator on call. You provide the ideas, and Copilot brings them to life.

What it can do:

• Turn outlines into complete slide decks.
• Suggest design elements like themes, fonts, and layouts.
• Create charts and infographics from your data.
• Add speaker notes and even presentation tips.

For example, say your manager drops a last-minute bombshell: “We need a pitch deck for the board meeting in an hour”. No sweat. You tell Copilot:

Create a five-slide presentation about our Q1 achievements, using data from /SalesReport.xlsx

In seconds, you’ve got a sleek deck ready to go. Need to add a wow factor? Ask Copilot for design suggestions, and it might recommend animations or a killer infographic to seal the deal.

Bonus tip: Feeling stuck on visuals? Ask Copilot: “Add a unicorn-themed slide for the fun fact section” (Okay, maybe not for the board meeting… but your team will love it!)

Conclusion: Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Is Just Awesome

From drafting documents to crunching numbers to creating jaw-dropping presentations, Copilot transforms the way you work. And the best part? It’s fun to use—because who doesn’t love having a little AI magic on their side?

So, go ahead: ask Copilot to create that report, crunch those numbers, or design that deck. You might even have a little fun along the way.

And hey, if Copilot can’t do it all (like managing your M365 environment), that’s where we come in. At EasyLife 365, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep your Microsoft ecosystem running smoothly. If you are curious to know more about it, get in touch for a demo with one of our Demo Gods.