Microsoft 365 Copilot is an upcoming tool that aims to transform how we work with Microsoft 365. It leverages large language models and the Microsoft Graph to provide personalized experiences and streamline information retrieval. In this article, we will explore the top three steps organizations can take to prepare for the arrival of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Step 1: Get Your Information Ready for Search: A crucial aspect of preparing for Microsoft 365 Copilot is ensuring that your organization’s information is appropriately structured and accessible. By establishing the right information access controls and policies, users will only have access to the information they need, minimizing data clutter. Tools and controls are available to gain visibility into information sharing practices, allowing automated controls to be implemented to ensure the right level of access. This step ensures that Copilot retrieves information that users explicitly have permission to access.

Step 2: Addressing Information Access Challenges: To optimize the Copilot experience, it is important to tackle information access challenges within your organization. Just enough access should be granted to each user, meaning they have access to the information necessary to perform their jobs, while information they shouldn’t have access to remains inaccessible. Microsoft Purview’s Information Protection, data classification controls, and content labeling can help identify and control access to sensitive files. Site and team-level restrictions within Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, along with access reviews and defined security groups, can further enhance information security.

Step 3: Setting up Prerequisites and Licensing: To fully utilize Microsoft 365 Copilot, it is essential to have the right prerequisites in place. The Microsoft 365 Copilot setup guide, available in the Microsoft 365 admin center, provides a wizard-based experience to help organizations meet the necessary requirements. These requirements include having the appropriate Microsoft 365 Enterprise licenses, access to Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise and Web Experiences, Azure Active Directory work accounts, OneDrive files, the new Outlook app, Microsoft Teams apps, and the Semantic Index for Copilot. Additionally, organizations must assign Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses to users through the setup guide.

Further Recommendations: As an administrator, there are additional steps you can take to contribute to a successful rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Establishing a center of excellence can help internal users share experiences, ask questions, and work with internal champions. Encouraging users to share what works best for them and leveraging prompts and details generated by Copilot can drive better adoption and foster a strong internal community.

Conclusion: Preparing for Microsoft 365 Copilot involves getting your information ready for search, addressing information access challenges, and setting up the necessary prerequisites and licenses. By following these steps, organizations can ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of this transformative tool. As Copilot’s release approaches, administrators should stay updated on the latest developments and additional policies and controls through resources like Microsoft Mechanics and consider engaging with Microsoft FastTrack Services for hands-on support.