1. Prerequisites

Before enabling Copilot in Outlook, ensure the following:

  • You have an active Microsoft 365 subscription.

  • You have a valid Copilot subscription (Microsoft 365 Copilot or Copilot Pro).

  • Both subscriptions are linked to the same Outlook.com / Microsoft account.

  • Your Outlook is updated to the latest version (preferably New Outlook or Outlook on the Web).

  • If you are using Mithi coexistence setup, in that case M365 users will be able to use copilot if user is having purchased outlook.


2. Enable Copilot in Outlook

Option A: Outlook (Desktop – Classic)

  1. Open Outlook.

  2. Go to File → Options.

  3. Under Compose messages, check Enable Microsoft 365 Copilot.

  4. If not visible, click Editor Options → Proofing and select Use Copilot to help me write better emails.

Option B: New Outlook / Outlook on the Web

  • Sign in with your licensed Microsoft 365 account.

  • The Copilot icon will appear in the toolbar (Message composer, Thread summary, Calendar items).


3. Features Available in Outlook with Copilot

  • Draft with Copilot → Generate new emails based on a short prompt.

  • Summary by Copilot → Summarize long email threads into key points and actions.

  • Coaching by Copilot → Improve tone, clarity, and professionalism of drafts.

  • Meeting Preparation → From calendar invites, generate pre-meeting summaries and action items.

  • Chat & Scheduling → Ask Copilot to schedule meetings, block focus time, or organize follow-ups.


4. Troubleshooting – If Copilot is Missing

  • Confirm your Microsoft 365 update channel → Copilot is not available on Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Switch to Current Channel.

  • Refresh licenses in Microsoft 365 Admin Center (for enterprise users).

  • Check privacy and data settings → Enable “Experiences that analyze your content.”

  • If still unavailable, try Outlook on the Web or New Outlook app instead of classic Outlook.


5. Reference Links


Note:

If a third-party email account such as Gmail, Yahoo, or other IMAP/POP services is connected to Outlook, you can continue to send and receive emails; however, Copilot features such as Draft with Copilot, Summarize, Coaching, and Meeting Preparation will not be available.
This is because Copilot relies on Microsoft Graph data, which is only accessible through Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com accounts.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4665774/outlook-copilot-requiring-outlook-com-address