Microsoft Copilot Explained in Plain English (With Use Case Examples)

You've probably heard the buzz: Microsoft Copilot is transforming how we work. But if you've ever asked yourself, "What does Copilot actually do?" — you're not alone.

In this blog, we'll break it all down in plain English—no tech jargon—along with real examples Microsoft has shared. And if you're curious about how to use Copilot in your business, we've got you covered.

What Is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built into tools you already use—like Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Dynamics 365. It helps you get work done faster by understanding natural language (the way you talk or type) and turning that into action.

Think of it as a super-smart sidekick that can:

• Summarize meetings
• Draft emails and documents
• Analyze large amounts of data
• Find the information you need instantly

It's not just a chatbot—it actually works inside your Microsoft apps and pulls data from across your ecosystem.

How Does It Work?

At its core, Copilot combines:

• Large language models (like ChatGPT)
• Your business data (emails, files, CRM records, calendars)
• Microsoft 365 apps (like Word, Excel, and Outlook)

This means it's not just guessing—it's using your data to help you work smarter.

Real Use Case Examples (Straight from Microsoft)

Here are some ways Microsoft Copilot is already helping people like you:

🧾 In Microsoft Word: Draft Documents Instantly

Example: You ask, "Write a proposal based on our meeting notes and last quarter's numbers."
Copilot scans your Teams meeting recap, Outlook threads, and Excel reports—and creates a first draft you can edit.

📊 In Microsoft Excel: Analyze Data Without Formulas

Example: You type, "Show me which product line had the highest growth year over year."
Copilot pulls the data, creates a chart, and even offers insights—without needing VLOOKUPs or pivot tables.

📧 In Microsoft Outlook: Summarize and Respond Faster

Example: You open an email thread and ask, "What do I need to respond to here?"
Copilot gives you a summary of the conversation and suggests a reply you can send right away.

🧑‍💼 In Dynamics 365 Sales: Personalize Outreach at Scale

Example: A sales rep says, "Draft a follow-up email to the client I met with yesterday."
Copilot uses CRM data to personalize the message with recent activity, deal size, and product interest.

👩‍🔧 In Dynamics 365 Customer Service: Resolve Cases Faster

Example: You ask, "What are the top issues customers are reporting this week?"
Copilot analyzes support tickets, surfaces trends, and recommends responses—saving your agents hours.

🎥 In Microsoft Teams: Summarize Meetings Automatically

Example: You miss a meeting and ask, "What did I miss?"
Copilot provides a meeting recap, action items, and decisions—so you're instantly caught up.

What Makes Copilot Different?

Unlike standalone AI tools, Microsoft Copilot works where you already work—and it's connected to your business data. That means:

• No switching between apps
• No need to explain your context every time
• Real security and privacy protections built in (you control your data)

Can SMBs Use It Too?

Yes! You don't need to be a Fortune 500 company to benefit. Small and mid-sized businesses are using Copilot to:

• Cut down on repetitive tasks
• Speed up document creation and data analysis
• Improve customer service
• Save time in sales and marketing follow-up

Getting Started with Copilot

Copilot is included in select Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 licenses, or available as an add-on. But setting it up the right way—connected to the right data, users, and apps—makes all the difference.

Want to See What Copilot Could Do for Your Team?

At WebSan Solutions, we help businesses integrate and optimize Copilot across Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. Whether you're looking to improve productivity, streamline sales, or reduce customer service backlogs, we can show you how Copilot can help.

👉 Contact WebSan Solutions today to explore Copilot for your business.