Copilot for Microsoft 365 How it ACTUALLY Works!

The video begins with an introduction to a special episode featuring Jeremy Chapman, the host of Microsoft Mechanics and the director of Microsoft 365. The host expresses gratitude for the support received on their YouTube journey and announces a significant update regarding the removal of the 300 purchase limit for Co-Pilot, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant. The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Co-Pilot for Microsoft 365, highlighting its three versions: a free version with Edge browser, Co-Pilot Pro for small and medium-sized businesses, and Co-Pilot for Enterprise. The host emphasizes the importance of understanding the capabilities of Co-Pilot in the context of Microsoft's large language models and generative AI advancements.

Jeremy Chapman provides insights into the mechanics of Co-Pilot, explaining its architecture and how it works with Microsoft Graph to access and summarize email threads. He discusses the importance of compliance controls and the ability to customize prompts for specific organizational needs. Chapman also touches on the process of 'grounding' in AI, where additional data sources are connected to provide context and enhance the AI's response. The discussion includes an overview of how Co-Pilot retrieves and processes information, the role of large language models, and the potential for users to tailor their Co-Pilot experience.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of Co-Pilot's data retrieval capabilities, emphasizing the real-time nature of the process. Chapman illustrates how Co-Pilot can access and search through private data sources, such as a search index for a store selling outdoor supplies, and integrate this information into its responses. He explains the use of AI search and vector search to improve the accuracy of results, and how Co-Pilot respects user permissions and data privacy throughout its operations. The segment highlights the complex yet efficient automation processes that occur behind the scenes to deliver a seamless user experience.

Chapman discusses the importance of compliance and security in the context of Co-Pilot, detailing how the system handles sensitive information and applies content filters. He explains the ability of Co-Pilot to display labels on content, ensuring users are aware of the sensitivity and confidentiality of the information they are interacting with. The conversation also covers auto-labeling features and the real-time scanning of documents to apply appropriate labels. Chapman assures viewers that Co-Pilot is designed to prevent exposure of too much content and to align with organizational policies and regulations.

The discussion shifts towards practical advice for IT professionals looking to implement Co-Pilot within their organizations. Chapman outlines the necessary steps, including ensuring Microsoft 365 apps are on the correct update channel, assigning Co-Pilot licenses, and configuring security and compliance policies. He introduces new resources in the Microsoft 365 admin center designed to assist admins in setting up and managing Co-Pilot. The conversation also touches on the importance of user education and adoption, with recommendations for creating a community of excellence and utilizing prompts effectively. Chapman mentions the integration of Viva Insights to track and analyze Co-Pilot usage and value across the organization.

The host thanks Jeremy Chapman for his valuable insights into Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot, encouraging viewers to subscribe and join the learning community. The host promises to provide links to further resources in the video description and reminds viewers of the wealth of content available on the Microsoft Mechanics channel. The episode concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and a teaser for upcoming videos.