Skip to main content
Generative Artificial Intelligence

Copilot Enterprise

Note
Copilot is constantly changing their user interface and features. We are working to keep this page up-to-date, but some videos and screenshots are slightly different due to these changes.

Introduction to Copilot

Microsoft, BYU, and Copilot Icon

Copilot is a Generative AI service provided by Microsoft. Copilot AI services have four distinct versions: Copilot (Personal), Copilot (Enterprise), Copilot for Microsoft 365, and Copilot Studio.

Copilot is free and offers access to GPT Large Language Models and AI-powered web searches. However, it doesn't provide sufficient commercial data protection for BYU and is not suitable for handling BYU non-public institutional data.

Under BYU's current Microsoft A3 licensing, the university has access to Copilot Enterprise. Copilot Enterprise provides similar features to the personal edition, but according to BYU's contractual agreement, should not store or use data entered into the service to train AI language models. BYU students, staff, and faculty should use this version. You may also notice that your BYU account opens a Copilot bot within your Microsoft 365 Cloud account. The interface looks a little different if you are using your own account with the latest Copilot updates. Learn more about Copilot versions on the GenAI services page.

The paid version, Copilot for Microsoft 365, includes all features provided by both Copilot Personal and Enterprise. Additionally, it integrates with the Microsoft Office suite, supports extensibility via plugins, and allows you to chat with your documents. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is currently unavailable under BYU's licensing, but evaluations are underway for purchasing expanded licensing under university resource planning.

Finally, Copilot Studio is tailored for users who wish to build low-code applications and workflows using GPT Large Language Models. Like the 365 version, Copilot Studio is unavailable under BYU's current licensing, but evaluations are underway for purchasing expanded licensing.

BYU Copilot Access

Learn how to get into Copilot with these easy steps!

All students, faculty, and staff at BYU are provided with access to Copilot (Enterprise). This version of Copilot ensures a mostly secure workspace where personal information remains confidential. You can access Copilot through your Microsoft Cloud account or directly through copilot.microsoft.com. To get started using your Copilot account, follow these steps:

Through Microsoft Cloud:

  1. Open your browser of choice and navigate to microsoft.byu.edu.
  2. Click "Login to Microsoft 365."
  3. Sign in using your BYU credentials.
  4. Click on the Copilot icon on the left sidebar.
  5. Start using the chat!
Through Copilot:

  1. Open your browser of choice (Microsoft Edge is recommended).
  2. Navigate to copilot.microsoft.com.
  3. Click the profile picture at the top right.
  4. Click the "Sign in button"
  5. Sign in using your BYU credentials.
  6. A popup will appear at the top right. Click on the "work" button. This button will take you to Copilot enterprise.

If you do use this method and you do not see the popup with the "work" option, check your settings for the website and enable popups. If that still doesn't work, see the above instructions for how to access Copilot in Microsoft 365 Cloud.

You should see a shield icon at the top right corner. This means the data you upload to Copilot will not be used to help train the AI model and will not be saved to any Microsoft servers. If you do not see this, please contact your department CSR. You can also contact OIT at 801-422-4000.

Copilot Enterprise Protected Symbol

As seen in the image above, other features found near the "protected" symbol are the new chat, about, and chat history buttons. Play around with these buttons to understand how they can help you in your generative AI use.

Now you have access to Copilot Enterprise, an AI chat service that has been paid for and approved by BYU for students and employees to use when appropriate. When used correctly, this tool can help you be more productive and effective in your daily tasks.

Using the Chat

Copilot is a chatbot that allows you to use natural language to learn and create.

The Copilot Chat is a powerful tool for manufacturing conversation and conducting research. You can experiment with this chat by asking it a simple question and engaging in a little dialogue to further understand the strengths and limitations of Copilot.

NOTE: Gen AI, while impressive, is not infallible. It can sometimes produce unexpected or irrelevant responses, a phenomenon known as ‘hallucination’. For instance, copy and paste the following prompt into Copilot. 

Give me 5 sentences that end with the word 'apple'

You may have gotten a response such as this:

Copilot Hallucination Example

As you can see, this does not follow the prompt. Hallucinations can be inconvenient and possibly dangerous. Be aware of this in your future AI use.

The Copilot Chat also supports multimedia uploads including images, documents, and audio. This feature can provide Copilot with additional context, enhancing its ability to assist with your academic and professional tasks. To upload these attachments, click on the paperclip icon on the right side of the chatbox. However, please refrain from uploading documents containing non-public institutional data.

Upload Images to Copilot

Prompt Engineering

Learn the basics of prompt engineering in one minute

Prompt engineering is the process of drafting high-quality prompts to optimize the output of Gen AI services. The basic principles of prompt engineering can help you get the best out of AI. Some examples of this are zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting. Learn more about prompt engineering.

When creating prompts from scratch, Microsoft suggests you focus on four parts: persona, objective, audience, and boundary. The following is a good example of this. Copy and paste it into your Copilot Chat and see what happens.

You are a top chef who works at a restaurant in Provo, Utah. Make a menu for this Saturday 
evening. We are expecting young adults who are looking for something nice, but not too 
expensive. The tone is precise. Include four appetizers, five main entrees, and a small 
dessert section.

Generating AI Images

AI Generated Image of a bottle sitting in a stream surrounded by smooth stones

Watch this video to learn how to create images in Copilot.

While it can give you internet-sourced images, Copilot is also connected to DALL-E 3, an AI service that specializes in generating images. Gen AI isn't perfect at creating images, but it can help you create original graphics and photos.

These images can be used in projects and presentations, just remember to cite your sources as you use them. You should also familiarize yourself with the risks around Generative AI and Copyright.

The Copilot Sidebar

Copilot is integrated into Microsoft Edge. When using Edge, you can open up the Copilot sidebar on any webpage and ask it to summarize a page or answer questions related to the page content.

The Copilot sidebar summarizes the Generative AI webpage.

If this feature is not working for you, make sure you are logged into the correct BYU account and make sure you see the green "Protected" icon.

See the Copilot sidebar in action using the main BYU webpage.

Copilot in Teams

Copilot is also available in Teams Meetings. Without 365 licensing, the most you can do is transcribe your calls. It should send all participants a copy of the final transcription after the meeting. When you are in your next Teams call, click on the "more" button at the top, click transcribe, and select the language of the meeting. Let all participants know they are being transcribed.

Proofreading and Editing

Copilot, especially the Copilot Notebook, helps proofread and copyedit your work. For example, try using these prompts in your Copilot Notebook and see what they do. 

Proofread this sentence for grammatical errors: "The task, of the modern educator is to not 
to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts."
 
Copyedit this sentence: "The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but 
to irrigate deserts."

Using AI to help you copyedit and proofread will help you be clear and professional in your daily tasks.

Brainstorming with Copilot

Learn how to brainstorm with Copilot!

Sometimes it can be hard to get started on a daunting task. Copilot can help you get going by giving you something to begin with. For example, if you need to email your boss about a concern in the office, go to Copilot for assistance. Copilot can provide you with a basic email outline that will get the ball rolling and make the task less intimidating.

This could also be helpful when trying to plan an event. Ask Copilot for event themes, activities, menus, or anything else that would otherwise require hours of brainstorming. Be sure to switch the chat temperature to "creative" when looking for ideas outside of the box.

Copilot generates a list of five impactful characters in Latin-American history.