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Questions
- How can I use Microsoft Copilot to summarize a long email?
- Where do I find Copilot in Outlook?
- How do I summarize an email thread with Copilot?
- Can Copilot pull out action items from an email?
- What can Copilot do in Microsoft Outlook?
- How do I use AI to get a quick summary of my emails?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff with access to Microsoft Copilot through their Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account.
- Supported versions: Outlook on the web (Outlook Online), Outlook for Windows (new Outlook), and the Outlook desktop app
- Requirement: Your Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account must include Copilot access. Contact the Service Desk if you are unsure whether Copilot is enabled for your account.
- Not covered: Copilot features in other Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Teams, etc.) — see the Get started with Copilot, Gemini, and LibreChat at Bowdoin article in the Related Articles section for a broader overview
Resolution
Find Copilot in Outlook
- Open the email or conversation thread you want to summarize.
- Look for the Copilot button or a Summarize option in the message pane. The button typically appears as a sparkle icon or is labeled Copilot.
Copilot button not visible? Make sure you are signed in with your Bowdoin work account that includes Copilot, and that you are using a current version of Outlook. Try refreshing Outlook or switching to Outlook on the web at
outlook.office.com.
Summarize a single email
- Open the email you want to summarize.
- Click Copilot or the Summarize button.
- Wait a moment while Copilot reads the message and produces a summary highlighting the main points, decisions, requests, and deadlines.
- Review the summary for accuracy before using it or sharing it.
To refine the summary, type a follow-up prompt in the Copilot pane, such as: "List the action items from this email" or "What does the sender need from me?"
Summarize an email thread
- Open the conversation in conversation view so the entire thread is visible.
- Click Copilot or Summarize this thread.
- Copilot scans the thread and produces a recap of key decisions, responsibilities, and open questions.
- Review the summary for accuracy before using it or sharing it.
To adjust the output, try prompts such as: "Make the summary shorter," "Include only action items and deadlines," or "Who owes the next reply and by when?"
Use the summary in your workflow
Copy the summary and paste it into a reply, a new email, a meeting note, or a task. If Copilot offers options like Insert summary into reply or Draft a response, these can speed up your workflow. Always review any Copilot-generated content for accuracy before sending or storing it.
Tips for better results: Keep threads focused on one topic when possible. For very long threads, try asking Copilot to "summarize only the last 7 days" or "summarize only the latest replies." If something looks inaccurate, ask Copilot "What did you base that on?" to see the supporting message text.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources