Microsoft Copilot Overview

This article briefly covers Microsoft Copilot, the difference in versions, helpful resources, and purchasing.

This article provides an overview of Microsoft Copilot, the versions available to Dartmouth users, and how to access or purchase a license.

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Copilot Versions

Microsoft offers several versions of Copilot with different capabilities and data protection levels. Dartmouth users have access to two versions depending on their needs.

Feature	Copilot (Personal)	Copilot with Commercial Data Protection	Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed)
AI-Powered Chat & Content Generation	✅	✅	✅
AI-Powered Web Search	✅	✅	✅
Commercial Data Protection	❌	✅	✅
Safe for Dartmouth Data	❌	✅	✅
Microsoft 365 Apps Integration (Word, Outlook, Teams, etc.)	❌	❌	✅
Microsoft 365 Graph (your work content & context)	❌	❌	✅
Cost	Free	Included with active Office license	Paid license required ⚠️
Intended Use	Personal only	Dartmouth work	Dartmouth work

Understanding the Options

• Copilot (Personal) — The free, consumer-oriented version available at copilot.microsoft.com without signing in. This version uses your prompts and data to train Microsoft's AI models. Dartmouth data should never be used with this version.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot with Commercial Data Protection — A more secure version available at no additional cost to all Dartmouth users with an active Office license. Sign in at copilot.microsoft.com using your Dartmouth credentials (firstname.lastname@dartmouth.edu). Your prompts and data are not used to train the model, making it safe for Dartmouth work. This version supports AI-powered web search, content generation, and document drafting.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed) — The full-featured version that integrates directly into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel. This version requires a paid license. ⚠️ Pricing is subject to change — verify current licensing costs before purchasing. Licenses can be purchased through the Dartmouth Computer Store.

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What Microsoft 365 Copilot Can Do

When using the licensed version integrated into Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot can assist with a wide range of everyday tasks.

In Outlook

• Summarize long email threads
• Draft replies based on context
• Flag action items from your inbox

In Teams

• Generate meeting summaries and transcripts
• Recap what was discussed while you were away
• Draft follow-up messages after calls

In Word

• Draft documents from a prompt or outline
• Rewrite or refine existing content
• Summarize long documents

In PowerPoint

• Create a presentation from a Word document or prompt
• Suggest design layouts and speaker notes

In Excel

• Analyze data and generate insights
• Create formulas and charts from natural language prompts

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Accessing Copilot with Commercial Data Protection

Steps to Sign In

1. Go to copilot.microsoft.com.
2. Click Sign in in the bottom left corner.
3. Continue with Microsoft
4. Enter your Dartmouth email address (firstname.lastname@dartmouth).
5. Complete authentication with your Dartmouth credentials and Duo MFA.
6. Once signed in, confirm the "Protected" indicator appears near the text input box, confirming commercial data protection is active.
   1. Often the green shield shows in the upper-right corner

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Purchasing a Microsoft 365 Copilot License

If you need the full Microsoft 365 Copilot experience integrated into your Microsoft 365 apps, licenses are available for purchase.

Steps to Purchase

1. Visit the Dartmouth Computer Store for current licensing options and pricing.
2. Contact your department's budget administrator to confirm funding approval before purchasing.
3. Once a license is assigned, Copilot features will appear within your Microsoft 365 apps automatically.

⚠️ License pricing should be verified with the Dartmouth Computer Store, as costs are subject to change.

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External Resources

• Microsoft Copilot
• Dartmouth Computer Store
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Help & Learning (Microsoft)

See Related Articles to the right for more information.