366572 – Outlook: Custom Instructions for draft with Copilot

Product:

Copilot, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Give Copilot some instructions about your emails - like the tone, length, greeting - so your Copilot generated drafts sound more like you want them to. #newoutlookforwindow

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-02

updated:
2025-10-22

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Degradation
If the Copilot feature is implemented without proper training or user guidance, users may experience frustration due to drafts that do not meet their expectations, leading to decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-copilot-in-outlook/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/02/how-microsoft-copilot-is-transforming-outlook-and-email-productivity/

Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of Copilot without adequate preparation may lead to an influx of support requests from users struggling to adapt to the new feature, overwhelming IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-copilot-in-outlook-how-it-will-change-your-email-experience/, https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-copilot-in-outlook-what-you-need-to-know

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you have a personal assistant who helps you write emails. This assistant is great at drafting messages, but sometimes they need a little guidance to match your style. That's where the new feature in Outlook, using Microsoft Copilot, comes in.

Think of Copilot as your digital assistant. Just like you might tell a human assistant, "Please keep this email friendly and brief," or "Make sure to start with a formal greeting," you can now give similar instructions to Copilot. This means you can specify how you want your emails to sound, whether you prefer a casual tone, a formal approach, or something in between. You can also guide Copilot on how long you want the email to be or what kind of greeting to use.

Consider it like setting the GPS before a road trip. You tell the GPS your destination and any preferences, like avoiding toll roads or taking the scenic route. Similarly, with Copilot, you set the destination for your email's tone and style, and it helps you get there.

This feature is rolling out across various platforms, including Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, so you can have a consistent experience no matter what device you're using. Whether you're drafting emails on your desktop at work or on your phone while on the go, Copilot can help ensure your messages reflect your personal style and preferences.

By using these custom instructions, you can save time and ensure your emails are more aligned with how you want to communicate, making your digital correspondence feel more personal and tailored to your needs.