🤖 Setting up Microsoft 365 Copilot
Bring next-generation AI to your everyday workflows. Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates directly into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook, turning your natural language into a powerful productivity tool.
📋 Licensing & Prerequisites
Base License Requirements
Users must have one of the following active licenses before the Copilot add-on can be assigned:
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Microsoft 365 E3 or E5
- Office 365 E3 or E5
Application Update Channels
Copilot features are heavily dependent on having the latest app versions. Devices must be configured to the Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.
⚙️ 4-Step Deployment Roadmap
- Conduct a Data Readiness Assessment (Crucial): Copilot surfaces information based on user permissions. If your SharePoint or OneDrive has "overshared" files (e.g., HR data accessible to everyone), Copilot will reveal it. Audit site permissions and implement Microsoft Purview Information Protection before deploying.
- Purchase and Assign Licenses: Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Go to Billing > Licenses, select Microsoft 365 Copilot, and assign it to your prepared user groups.
- Deploy the Copilot App in Teams: Go to the Teams Admin Center, navigate to Teams apps > Setup policies, and pin the Copilot app to your users' sidebars for easy access to the chat interface.
- Drive Adoption and Training: Simply giving users Copilot isn't enough. Host prompt-engineering workshops to teach employees how to write effective commands (e.g., "Draft a project proposal based on [File A] and [File B]").
The "Oversharing" Risk
If an employee has accidental access to the CEO's OneDrive or payroll files in SharePoint, Copilot will read those files to answer their queries. Always perform a security audit of your tenant's sharing links and permissions before turning on Copilot.
Ensure a Safe & Smooth Copilot Launch
Don't risk data leaks. ShivCloud provides comprehensive Copilot Readiness Assessments, licensing provisioning, and data governance setup to ensure your AI deployment is secure and effective.