Microsoft has rolled out an updated version of its Copilot app for Windows, introducing new capabilities that allow users to create Office documents directly from chat sessions and connect to their Gmail and Outlook accounts. The update is currently available to Windows Insiders, with a broader release for all Windows 11 users expected soon.
Creating Office documents directly from chat
With this update, Copilot can now generate Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs directly within the chat interface. Users can produce fully formatted and editable files without needing to switch between applications.
According to Microsoft’s Copilot team, “With just a prompt, you can instantly turn ideas, notes, and data into shareable and editable documents with no extra steps or tools required.”
To enhance convenience, Copilot automatically adds a default export button for responses exceeding 600 characters. This allows users to send text instantly to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or PDF, streamlining workflows and eliminating manual copy-and-paste steps.
Seamless integration with email and cloud accounts
The new update also enables Copilot to link directly to users’ Outlook and Gmail accounts, allowing it to access and surface relevant information from their emails. Once connected, users can ask Copilot to locate specific messages, such as invoices from a company or contact details within their inbox.
This functionality is part of an opt-in system, ensuring privacy and user control. To activate it, users must manually connect their Outlook or Google accounts through the app’s connectors section. Supported connections include OneDrive, Outlook, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts.
The feature closely mirrors integrations seen in OpenAI’s ChatGPT earlier this year, which allowed users to connect services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Microsoft’s approach offers similar productivity advantages within the Windows environment, helping users retrieve, organise, and utilise data across platforms without leaving their chat window.
Preparing for future OneDrive enhancements
The updated Copilot app arrives ahead of Microsoft’s planned release of a redesigned OneDrive app for Windows, expected next year. The new OneDrive will feature a refreshed gallery view, AI-powered slideshows, and integrated editing tools to make managing and presenting cloud-stored content more seamless.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s broader effort to embed artificial intelligence more deeply across its software ecosystem. By integrating Copilot with Office tools, email services, and cloud storage, the company aims to create a unified and intelligent productivity experience for Windows users.
