Copilot for OneDrive: How Can It Help Us?

Microsoft has recently made the integration of Copilot into OneDrive a reality, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of its productivity applications.

With this feature, business users can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the organization and management of their files, streamlining daily tasks such as content search and management.

Powered by GPT-4, Microsoft 365 Copilot offers suggestions, quick responses, and automatic optimizations, enabling users to save time and increase efficiency when working with documents stored in OneDrive. In this article, we will explore how this integration can transform the user experience, bringing automation and artificial intelligence to a whole new level.

Copilot for OneDrive: a brief introduction

Generative AI-based tools are quickly becoming a cornerstone of daily life for anyone using a computer, whether at home by casual users and enthusiasts or in the workplace by professionals and experts across various industries. These tools are being employed to streamline and simplify everyday operations.

Among the most preferred AI-based tools in the business world is undoubtedly Microsoft Copilot, the digital assistant from Redmond powered by GPT-4, which has taken the business world by storm with its advanced features and seamless integration with some of the most popular digital work tools, including Microsoft 365 software and Azure platform services.

Microsoft’s plan to integrate Copilot into all its home and office products shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, another product in the company’s portfolio has been enhanced with the AI digital assistant that Microsoft has been heavily investing in for quite some time.

Microsoft OneDrive was recently the focus of a major update by Redmond, aimed at revitalizing its cloud storage service with a host of new features designed to enhance user experience and productivity.

The company announced a wide range of significant improvements to search functionality, a new mobile app, color-coded folders in File Explorer, and most notably, the integration of Copilot for all commercial users.

But what are the new features brought by the integration of these two tools, and how can they benefit us? Let’s explore them in the following sections.

What are Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft OneDrive?

Artificial intelligence has dramatically reshaped the contemporary digital landscape in recent years, with a wave of increasingly advanced models and a massive expansion of its capabilities across every domain.

Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock during this time likely knows the most prominent names in this technological arena. But for those who may have missed a few updates or haven’t yet taken an interest in the subject, the scenario can seem confusing, and many key players in this technological revolution might remain unfamiliar.

So, before diving into the integration between Microsoft Copilot and OneDrive, let’s take a moment to understand what Copilot and OneDrive are and explore their key features in more detail.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered digital assistant designed to simplify users’ daily tasks, boost productivity, and spark creativity. Its primary focus is on code generation, writing assistance, and collaboration. Seamlessly integrated with the most popular Microsoft 365 applications—such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams—Copilot provides contextual suggestions and helps users understand information more effectively.

Powered by the cutting-edge GPT-4 language model, Microsoft Copilot boasts impressive features like auto-completing code, searching documentation, and enabling collaborative writing. Microsoft continues to enhance Copilot with regular updates, demonstrating its heavy investment in generative AI for the future of its business-focused products.

Microsoft’s AI digital assistant caters to a wide range of users and professionals, including developers, content creators, and workers seeking AI-driven support for their tasks.

Here are the primary ways users can leverage Microsoft Copilot:

1. Adopting Copilot: Microsoft offers several Copilot assistants to enhance productivity and creativity. Integrated into various Microsoft products and platforms, Copilot transforms the digital workspace into a more interactive and efficient environment.
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2. Extending Copilot: Developers can incorporate external data into Copilot, streamlining user operations and reducing context-switching. This not only improves productivity but also fosters collaboration. Through Copilot, integrating external data into everyday Microsoft products becomes straightforward.
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3. Building a custom Copilot: Beyond adoption and extension, users can create a personalized Copilot for a unique conversational experience using Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Search, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and other Microsoft Cloud technologies. A custom Copilot can integrate company data, access real-time external data via APIs, and embed itself into business applications.

Microsoft Copilot is available in various forms, with specific pricing packages tailored to different use cases:

• Copilot (Free): provides access to generative AI features for PC management (in Windows), online search (in Edge), and general chatbot interactions on the web.
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• Copilot Pro: designed for individual users who want to maximize the benefits of generative AI. For around $20 per user per month, this version includes access to Copilot across tools like Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
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• Copilot for Microsoft 365: geared toward individuals and teams working with Microsoft apps. It offers access to Copilot Studio, enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance, as well as advanced capabilities.

In addition to these versions, there are tailored Copilot solutions for specific Microsoft tools. For instance, Copilot solutions integrated into Microsoft Dynamics support sales and customer service teams, while Security Copilot is integrated into Microsoft Purview for enhanced security capabilities.

Microsoft has also begun launching and updating a series of “Agents” designed for specific business sectors like finance, customer service, and marketing, offering specialized training and features tailored to these industries.

While many Windows 11 users were initially skeptical about Microsoft’s focus on Copilot, the service has seen significant growth since its preview phase and is now regarded as one of the best productivity tools in the era of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s online cloud storage service. It integrates with Windows 11 as the default location for saving documents, offering users with a Microsoft account five gigabytes of free storage, with upgrade options available.

OneDrive allows users to save files, photos, and other documents across multiple devices. A user can also store their files on OneDrive and automatically sync them to other devices. This means it’s possible to access and work on the same document from different locations. OneDrive provides relatively simple access to cloud storage, with options to share content with others.

OneDrive integrates with Microsoft Office, enabling users to access Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly from OneDrive. No download is required as it is already integrated into Windows 11. To use OneDrive, a Microsoft account is required, and users must sign in before accessing the service. To log in, users can visit onedrive.com and select "Sign In" at the top of the page.

The system allows users to collaboratively edit Office documents, modify files in browsers, and create and share folders. OneDrive also offers integration with Facebook, automatic camera roll backup, and the ability to email presentations. Users can also scan documents and save them to OneDrive.

Users can choose where to save their data—on OneDrive or File Explorer. Those who wish to use OneDrive as a data backup platform should save their data in both locations. However, other users may opt to store files in just one of the two locations.

OneDrive also enables users to share stored files with anyone. To share a folder in OneDrive, users need to select the folder, click the “Share” button on the top toolbar, and choose the option to invite people. Users can then enter the email addresses of the people they want to share the file with.

If the recipient also has Office 365, users can select an option to allow the recipient to edit the shared document. Additional options are available to choose access privileges from dropdown menus. From here, users can click the shared button.

Users can also generate links to share files by navigating to the same sharing option and selecting “Get a Link.” Additional options include whether or not to allow the recipient to edit the file. Users can then create a link, select it, and copy it to share with anyone they wish.

OneDrive is also available on mobile platforms, including Mac, iPhone, and Android.

Another feature, called Personal Vault, allows users to store important files with added protection. Personal Vault restricts access to stored files using strong authentication methods or an additional layer of identity verification, such as biometric authentication, PIN, or a code sent via email or SMS.

OneDrive is designed as a gateway for seamlessly managing files, photos, and memories between work, home, and anywhere the user may be. Trusted by 94% of Fortune 500 companies, millions of small businesses, and countless individuals, OneDrive revolutionized (and continues to transform) how the world collaborates, stores, and connects.

New features in the OneDrive update

Before diving into the main event—the integration with Microsoft Copilot—let’s take a quick look at the new features introduced in the latest OneDrive update.

The search functionality has been upgraded with new filters and more detailed results, making it faster and more precise to locate files and folders, whether stored in your own OneDrive, a shared library, or a colleague’s folder. Additionally, Microsoft has improved OneDrive’s overall performance, including faster startup times.

OneDrive’s colored folders feature, previously available in the web version, is now integrated into Windows File Explorer. Any colored folders set in the web version of OneDrive will now be visible in File Explorer as well. By mid-2025, Microsoft plans further enhancements to OneDrive document libraries, including improved performance and reliability, easier navigation, customizable views, and better filtering options for large data sets.

A new OneDrive app is on its way for iOS and Android, putting photos front and center with easy navigation for albums, people, and favorites. AI-powered photo search has been improved, allowing users to find images using natural language. For instance, you can search for "a dog on a boat" to locate relevant photos.

The new app will also highlight key events on the homepage and streamline the import of photos, videos, and documents from other cloud services like Google Drive, Google Photos, and Dropbox. The app is already available for both Android and iOS.

Copilot for OneDrive: key features

Now, let’s delve into the most exciting part of this recent OneDrive update and the main focus of this article: the integration of Microsoft’s popular storage service with its latest and most brilliant innovation, Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The integration of Copilot into OneDrive, as mentioned in the introduction, represents yet another step taken by the Redmond-based company to implement its AI-powered digital assistant across its entire line of products, catering to both personal and professional users.

For OneDrive, the integration with Copilot is currently available to all commercial users of the storage platform and promises to revolutionize the way they interact with their files.

But what can you actually do with Copilot for OneDrive? Among the features available now, we can highlight the following.

Quick file summaries

Extracting key information from OneDrive files is a productivity boost. With Copilot in OneDrive, you can summarize one or more files within the OneDrive web app without opening them individually. You can also generate FAQs from a document to use or share as a resource. For instance, you can summarize newly shared documents or condense notes before a meeting—all with just one click.

Effortless file comparison

Finding the right data or understanding differences between multiple files can be time-consuming. Now, with Copilot, you can select up to five files—even in different formats like Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs—and quickly view the differences between them. This can help you make decisions faster.

Get answers about specific files

Have a question about a document or need quick insights before a meeting? With Copilot, you can inquire about any document without even opening it. You’ll get the information you need from the selected documents in just seconds.

Soon, users will also be able to get meeting summaries directly from OneDrive, generating detailed highlights, key points, and actionable insights immediately. Additionally, a new feature will allow users to convert files into presentations, seamlessly transforming Word documents into detailed PowerPoint presentations!

Copilot for OneDrive: personalized AI agents

One of the most exciting innovations announced by Microsoft is the introduction of Copilot Agents on OneDrive. These are personalized AI assistants, designed to meet your specific needs and tailored to your preferences. But how do they work? Let’s explore some of their key features:

• Create your AI assistant: With Copilot Agents, you can gather files, documents, and relevant data into a powerful, shareable assistant that knows everything about your project. They are simple to create and can even be personalized with a unique name and icon, making them instantly recognizable in your workspace.
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• Automate and simplify repetitive tasks: Thanks to a Copilot Agent, you can delegate repetitive tasks, such as handling frequent requests. These agents can be configured to create custom bots based on a corporate knowledge base—for example, an IT help desk bot that answers common questions or an HR bot dedicated to providing staff with FAQ responses. This personalized assistant works for you 24/7, reducing workload and ensuring your team always has the necessary information at their fingertips.
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• Shareable and scalable: Once your Copilot Agent is created, it can be shared with your entire team. It works seamlessly across various platforms—whether it’s in Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint—and can instantly become a valuable resource for everyone involved. This ability to scale and amplify the impact of your work can transform the way you manage projects and collaborate with your team.
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• Collaboration on a whole new level: The true power of Copilot Agents lies in their flexibility. Like any other file, they can be copied, shared, and organized with ease. For example, when onboarding a new team member, instead of sending multiple links, emails, and files, you can simply share your Copilot Agent in a Teams chat. With just one click, your colleague can start interacting with the agent, ask questions, and get real-time answers. This can significantly transform team collaboration, making knowledge transfer faster, smoother, and more efficient.

Conclusions

The integration of Microsoft Copilot into OneDrive environments is arguably one of the most significant updates the long-standing Microsoft storage service has seen in years.

While the latest update has also enhanced other aspects of the storage tool, the AI-powered digital assistant features from Redmond allow OneDrive to not only remain relevant for its commercial users but also position itself for a future filled with potentially useful and exciting innovations—of which this update may be just the beginning.

If you’re already a OneDrive user, we encourage you to test the new AI-based features and experience their potential firsthand. If you’re not yet a user, why not give it a try?

FAQ on Microsoft Copilot for OneDrive

What is Copilot for OneDrive?

‍Copilot for OneDrive is Microsoft’s AI-powered digital assistant integrated into the OneDrive cloud platform. Powered by GPT-4, Copilot enhances file management with advanced features like automatic summaries, file comparison, and content-based responses.

What are the main benefits of Copilot for OneDrive?

‍The key benefits include the ability to generate quick summaries of documents without opening them, compare files to easily identify differences, get immediate insights on specific documents, and automate repetitive tasks through personalized AI Agents.

Is Copilot for OneDrive available to everyone?

‍Currently, this integration is available to commercial users of Microsoft OneDrive. Private users can access other versions of Copilot integrated into Microsoft 365 applications and Windows.

How does file comparison work?

‍With Copilot, you can compare up to five files simultaneously, even in different formats like Word, PowerPoint, or PDF. The assistant analyzes the selected documents and provides a detailed overview of the differences, simplifying the review process.

What are Copilot Agents in OneDrive?

‍Copilot Agents are customizable AI assistants configured to aggregate files, answer frequent questions, and automate tasks. They are ideal for boosting productivity and can be easily shared with the team to streamline collaboration.

Can I create a custom Copilot for OneDrive?

‍Yes, users can create custom assistants using Microsoft Copilot Studio and other Azure-based technologies. These Copilots can integrate enterprise data and offer specific functionalities tailored to unique needs.

How can I start using Copilot for OneDrive?

‍To get started, you need a Microsoft 365 account with commercial features. Once enabled, Copilot can be accessed directly from the OneDrive web interface, allowing you to leverage its new features.

Can I use Copilot for OneDrive on mobile devices?

‍Yes, the new OneDrive mobile app supports many AI features, including advanced image search and simplified navigation for documents, photos, and videos. Microsoft is also rolling out additional Copilot capabilities for mobile platforms.

What file types are supported by Copilot for OneDrive?

‍Copilot supports a wide range of formats, including Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and PDFs, making it versatile for various professional needs.

What are the future prospects for Copilot for OneDrive?

‍Microsoft is working on new features for Copilot, such as meeting summaries generated directly from OneDrive, converting Word files into PowerPoint presentations, and improving document library management for handling large data volumes.