Microsoft 365 Copilot - How to Access

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Please be aware that while Copilot provides up-to-date responses based on current internet data, it is not able to evaluate the accuracy of the information it returns to you. if you suspect inaccuracies when reviewing a response, try revising your prompt to better direct Copilot's search.

 

Microsoft Copilot is available for free wherever you see the Copilot logo: 

UWSP employees should ensure that they are using the secure Microsoft 365 version of Copilot with enterprise data protection by signing in to Copilot with their UWSP account.

If you are signed in to the secure version of Copilot a green shield icon shows at the top-right corner.  The text, "Enterprise data protection applies to this chat" appears when you move your mouse cursor over this shield.

In addition to ensuring that you see Copilot's green, enterprise data protection shield, always adhere to UW-System's Data Security and Compliance standards when working with sensitive data and Copilot.

Always look for the green shield icon before using Copilot.

Screenshot of Copilot chat window showing green shield icon located at top-right corner.

What if I don't see Copilot's green, enterprise data protection shield?

If you don't see see Copilot's green, enterprise data protection shield you are not signed into the secure Microsoft 365 version of Copilot. At the lower-left corner of Copilot, click the Account button, then select Sign in and sign in with your UWSP account.

Picture showing the Account button located at the bottom-left corner in Copilot. Click the Account button, then select Sign in.

 

How to Access the Secure Version of Microsoft 365 Copilot

No generative AI system other than the secure version of Microsoft 365 Copilot should be used for UWSP work.

Learn how to appropriately handle the different classifications of sensitive data in Copilot and other generative AI tools.

 

Access Copilot From Your UWSP Office 365 Web Portal

Sign in to your Office 365 Web Portal for secure access to Copilot. Copilot's search displays in the middle of the screen. Click Apps at the left to access your Office 365 web apps. Copilot is also available on your web apps' ribbon as you work.

Note: Copilot is not available from within the installed Office 365 Desktop apps. Departments that wish to make Copilot available from within the Microsoft Office 365 desktop apps (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, etc) can purchase "Copilot Pro" licenses for individual use by contacting the Information Technology Purchasing Office.

 

Access Copilot in Teams

To add Copilot to the App bar at the left of Teams, click the three dots on the App bar (the ellipses for "View more apps").  Right-click Copilot in the flyout menu and select Pin.

Copilot is also available at the top of your Teams Chat list.

Access Copilot From a Browser

You can access Copilot from your favorite browser by going to copilot.microsoft.com. Select Work then sign in with your UWSP account and MFA.

 

Always check for the green shield icon at the top-right corner to make sure that you are signed into the secure version of Copilot.

 

For help or additional information, please submit a ticket through the IT Self Service Portal.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 4972
Created
Mon 9/29/25 12:12 PM
Modified
Tue 11/11/25 2:27 PM