![Expanding reference capabilities with Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word [MC1060858]](https://mwpro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pexels-david-bartus-43782-4418939-1024x767.webp)
Message ID: MC1060858
We heard that customers would like to be able to
reference more data, more quickly, when creating, reviewing, and finalizing Word
documents using the Draft feature with Copilot in Word. We’re happy to share three improvements, developed based on your
feedback.
- Reference folders when using Copilot:Â Up
until now, when using Copilot, you could reference files, emails, and even
meetings, but had to add them one by one. Today, we are enabling you to
reference a whole folder (stored on OneDrive or SharePoint).
NOTE: Copilot
will use the 10 most recent files as the basis of the content it generates.
- Support for larger documents in Word Copilot:Â We
continue to expand the size limits of what we support, and we are expanding our
ability to referencing large documents up to 1.5 million words or 3000 pages. - More files can be referenced in Draft with
Copilot in Word:Â You
can now reference up to 20 items such as files, emails, and meetings when using
the Draft with Copilot command.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout has begun and expected to complete by early December 2025.
[How this will affect your organization:]
This further extends the richness of grounding support for customers, enabling more complex scenarios with Copilot in Word that support a broader set of customer document and folder reference needs.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
The ability to reference a folder
is available to all Word for the web users and coming to Word for Windows and
Word for Mac users with an Enterprise Copilot license (learn more about
licenses for businesses) in July 2025.
Other capabilities coming later in
April 2025 in Word for the web, Word for Windows, and Word for Mac:
- The ability to reference up to 20 files when
drafting a document with Copilot - The ability to reference larger files (up to 1.5
million words or 3,000 pages
You can manage Copilot for specific apps or users through either the Microsoft 365 Admin center or Group Policy.
Source: Microsoft
![Microsoft 365 Copilot: People Skills will be available starting in May [MC1060842]](https://mwpro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pexels-pixabay-66869-150x150.webp)
![OneNote Pages in M365 Copilot Chat [MC1060856]](https://mwpro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pexels-mdsnmdsnmdsn-1405773-150x150.webp)
The recent updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word are set to enhance the experience for both admins and users significantly. With the ability to reference entire folders, support for larger documents, and the capacity to reference up to 20 items, these changes are not just incremental improvements; they are game-changers in document management and collaboration.
For admins, the new features mean less hassle in managing document references. The ability to reference a whole folder rather than individual files simplifies processes and saves time. This is crucial for maintaining productivity, especially in environments where document turnover is high. Furthermore, managing Copilot settings through the Microsoft 365 Admin center or Group Policy allows for tailored user experiences, ensuring that everyone can work efficiently while adhering to organizational standards.
Users, on the other hand, can expect a significant boost in their workflow. No more tedious individual file selection—just point to a folder, and let Copilot do the heavy lifting! With support for documents up to 1.5 million words, those hefty reports or research papers will no longer be a challenge. This means more time for creativity and less time for clicking through files. Plus, the ability to reference multiple items at once will streamline collaboration, making teamwork a breeze.
Now, let’s sprinkle in a bit of humor: with these enhancements, the only thing you might need to worry about is how to keep your coffee cup full while Copilot does all the hard work!
Overall, these changes are impactful, paving the way for more efficient document creation and management. As we anticipate the rollout, it would be great to hear your thoughts! How do you think these updates will change your workflow? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
For more insights and discussions, check out other posts on mwpro.co.uk.